In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, it is difficult to talk about causes in the strict sense, as these have not yet been clearly established. The origin of the disease is multifactorial. Although researchers now have a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying brain damage and the biological cascade that follows, the precise causes of the disease remain uncertain and hypothetical. This lack of knowledge explains why there is still no cure for the disease.

This is why we tend to talk about risk factors rather than direct causes. Several factors have been identified as potentially contributing to the onset of the disease, particularly when they occur in combination:

• age (the frequency increases with advancing age);
• female gender;
• genetic risk factors ;
• cardiovascular disease; 

• diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking; 

• lack of physical and cognitive activity.