Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, affecting millions globally and leading to memory and cognitive decline. A recent study published in Scientific Reports highlights that, after age 65, genetic factors may surpass age as a risk determinant for developing Alzheimer’s. Using machine learning on data from approximately 450,000 UK Biobank participants, the study ranked various risk factors, revealing that while age is significant, a polygenic risk score assessing genetic predisposition has a stronger correlation for older adults. Socioeconomic factors, particularly low household income, also emerged as crucial risks due to their impact on lifestyle and access to care. Non-genetic risk factors identified for Alzheimer’s include high systolic and low diastolic blood pressure, diabetes, poorer economic conditions, and a family history of the disease. The study’s approach incorporated genomic data alongside conventional health metrics to establish comprehensive risk models. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing both genetic and environmental influences on Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the potential for lifestyle adjustments to mitigate risk and enhance prevention strategies, especially given the lack of cure. This research aims to inform preventive measures and possibly guide drug development efforts for the disease.
