What is a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease?

Advanced age is considered a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease due to the significant correlation between age and the likelihood of its onset. As individuals age, the brain undergoes various changes that can increase susceptibility to neurological conditions, including the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s pathology.

Aging impacts the brain's ability to repair itself and maintain cellular health, contributing to cognitive decline. Research indicates that the majority of Alzheimer’s cases occur in individuals aged 65 and older, with the risk continuing to rise significantly with each passing decade. While genetic predisposition, chronic stress, and low physical activity can also play roles in the disease's development, advanced age remains the strongest and most universally acknowledged risk factor, as well as being a non-modifiable one, meaning it cannot be changed or controlled.