Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting almost 500,000 people in the UK. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition. These include:
- increasing age
- a family history of the condition
- previous severe head injuries
- lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.
Alzheimer's disease is most common in people over the age of 65 and affects slightly more women than men. The risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia increases with age, affecting an estimated one in every six people over the age of 80. However, around one in every 20 cases of Alzheimer's disease affects people between 40 and 65 years of age.
Dementia is difficult to deal with, whether you live with the condition or support someone who does. Here are five things to try if you’re feeling low.