Risk Factors for Memory Loss

AGE

  • 65 or older

GENETICS AND FAMILY HISTORY

  • If one parent developed Alzheimer’s disease before the age of 65, the offspring has
    an increased risk of also developing it before that age.
  • Presence of gene apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4)
  • Possibility of other gene variants

MEDICAL HISTORY

  • Hearing loss
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
  • High cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea
  • History of head trauma or concussion
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Down’s syndrome

MEDICATIONS

  • Anti-psychotic medications
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Chemotherapy

SOCIAL FACTORS

  • Loneliness
  • Isolation
  • Limited education

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

  • Poor diet
  • Alcohol overuse or abuse
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Chronic stress