, /PRNewswire/ -- This June during , the Alzheimer's Association encourages all Americans to take charge of their brain health. Today, there are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. The lifetime risk for the disease at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men.
The brain changes that cause Alzheimer's are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which we can intervene in the progression of the disease. Experts believe there isn't a single cause of Alzheimer's. It's likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors.
While not a direct cause of Alzheimer's, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age cannot be changed, others — including physical activity, not smoking, education, challenging your mind, blood pressure and diet — may be modified to reduce a person's risk. "Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity for all Americans to take charge of their brain health," said , senior director, quality care and psychosocial research, Alzheimer's Association.
"We want people to know there are steps they can take to potentially reduce their risk of cognitive decline. We also want to encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes — and if it is Alzheimer's disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis.
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