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