Physical changes in our brains can cause us to process information differently as we age. These changes can affect how we think, make decisions, and communicate with others (cognitive function). They’re often part of getting older.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) isn’t the same as normal age-related brain changes. AD is a type of dementia. Dementias are a group of conditions caused by brain changes that disrupt how the brain’s nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other.
How do you prevent Alzheimer’s disease? Experts don’t know for sure, but researchers continue to study this condition.
Here’s what you need to know about Alzheimer’s disease prevention and reducing your Alzheimer’s risk.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
A German doctor, Emil Kraepelin, discovered Alzheimer’s disease in the early 1900s. He named the condition after his student, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who identified and studied Alzheimer’s symptoms.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t fully known; age-related changes in the brain, genetics, and environmental/lifestyle factors all may play a role.
An abnormal buildup of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain has been associated with AD:
- Beta-amyloid can clump together, forming amyloid plaques in the spaces between nerve cells.
- Tau can form into twisted strands inside nerve cells known as neurofibrillary tangles (or tau tangles).
These plaques and tangles are thought to play a role in killing brain cells, causing cognitive and memory problems associated with AD. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, many people develop these plaques and tangles as they age. However, people with Alzheimer’s tend to develop more, and they typically begin in memory-associated areas of the brain.
In its 2025 annual report, the Alzheimer’s Association estimated that 7.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. It marked the first time the number had surpassed 7 million people. Because of the increasing age of the American population, the association projects that 13.8 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s by 2060, unless methods to prevent or cure the disease are available by then.
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease may cause you to have trouble remembering things at first. You might forget common words or how to do certain things. As Alzheimer’s progresses, you may get lost in familiar places. You might also experience personality changes or not recognize people you know.
What Are the Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Factors?
There are some things researchers don’t know about Alzheimer’s. They haven’t identified one specific cause of the condition. But they have identified certain risk factors, which include the following:
Aging
Alzheimer’s disease occurs most often in people who are older than 65.
Family history
You may be more likely to develop AD if you have a parent or sibling who has Alzheimer’s.
AD may develop when changes in your genes combine with:
- Environmental factors — Where you live, work, play, and spend time.
- Lifestyle factors — How you care for yourself and what you do each day.
What Can You Do to Help Reduce Your Alzheimer’s Risk?
There is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. But there are some things you can do that may reduce your Alzheimer’s risk. You can:
Control chronic health conditions
Oxygenated blood is a power source for your brain. Certain health conditions can affect how much blood and oxygen get to your brain. Talk to your doctor about brain health if you have:
Your doctor can help you learn to manage these conditions. Take all medications they prescribe to help control them.
Eat healthy foods
There’s no proof that certain foods prevent Alzheimer’s. Researchers have studied how three foods — blueberries, leafy greens, and turmeric — may help protect your brain. But there’s no evidence that eating these foods can keep you from getting AD.
Eating a nutritious diet can help keep your brain healthy. Try to eat more:
- Fruits, including berries.
- Lean proteins, especially fish.
- Nuts.
- Vegetables, including leafy green vegetables and beans.
- Whole grains.
Limiting certain foods can also help. Try to eat less salt and sugar, fried foods, and processed foods. Talk to your doctor about whether the DASH, Mediterranean, or MIND diet is right for you.
Exercise regularly
Physical movement helps keep your blood flowing. Take time each day to move your body in ways that are right for you. Talk to your doctor about how exercise may reduce your risk of AD.
Protect your head
Traumatic brain injuries like concussions can affect your brain’s health. It’s important to protect your head from injury whenever you can. You should:
- Buckle your seat belt when you drive or ride in a car.
- Reduce your risk of falling by removing loose area rugs and cords you could trip over at home.
- Wear a helmet when you ride a bike or play certain sports.
Stay social
Make time to connect with others in person, by phone, or virtually. Talking and laughing with others regularly helps stimulate your brain.
Use your brain power
Puzzles, hobbies, reading, and taking a class are all ways to challenge and strengthen your brain.
How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed and Treated?
Not all problems with thinking and memory are Alzheimer’s. If you experience cognitive problems, you may take certain tests to help determine their cause. You may take a physical exam, along with:
- A blood test or spinal tap to measure levels of beta-amyloid protein and other proteins that may be present if you have dementia. You will undergo blood and urine tests to determine if you have other health conditions that could affect your brain and its function.
- Cognitive tests to see how you communicate, speak, pay attention, and remember things.
- Imaging tests to determine if there are changes to your brain.
If you have Alzheimer’s disease, you may have these tests more than once. Your doctor may use these tests to check for cognitive changes as the disease progresses.
How do doctors treat Alzheimer’s disease?
Right now, there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help manage symptoms. They may also recommend lifestyle changes to help you stay healthy.
There are two approved medications, lecanemab and donanemab, that doctors can prescribe to treat Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. These medications help reduce the number of amyloid plaques in the brain.
What Is The Future of Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention?
There’s no one thing you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers continue to study new drugs that may help prevent and treat the condition. For example, studies are examining how immune cells may help prevent amyloid plaque buildup.
Clinical trials are research studies that test new medications or treatments. Participating in a clinical trial can give you access to the newest ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and to treat the condition. Talk to your doctor to see if a clinical trial is right for you or someone you love.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .