We may be one step closer to finding a way to delay or even prevent Alzheimer's disease.
A new study analyses data from over 300 large studies in order to identify what the nine most common risk factors of the disease are.
Although the study is purely observational, the University of California researchers behind it hope the findings may help medical experts to make more informed decisions when it comes to delaying, preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease in the future.
According to the NHS, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 500,000 people in the UK.
There is currently no cure for the illness, although some drugs are available which may help improve symptoms.
The latest study, published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, states that the nine most common risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease are:
9 Most Common Risk Factors For Alzheimer's Disease
Obesity(01 of09)
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Low Educational Attainment(02 of09)
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High Homocysteine Levels (A Type Of Amino Acid)(03 of09)
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Depression(04 of09)
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High Blood Pressure(05 of09)
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Carotid Artery Narrowing (06 of09)
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Frailty(07 of09)
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Smoking (08 of09)
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Type 2 Diabetes In The Asian Population(09 of09)
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Signs Of Dementia
(01 of09)
Open Image ModalStruggling to remember recent events, although they can easily recall things that happened in the past (credit:Alamy)
(02 of09)
Open Image ModalRepeating themselves or losing the thread of what they are saying (credit:Alamy)
(03 of09)
Open Image ModalForgetting the names of friends or everyday objects (credit:Alamy)
(04 of09)
Open Image ModalFeeling confused even when in a familiar environment (credit:Alamy)
(05 of09)
Open Image ModalHaving problems thinking and reasoning (credit:Alamy)
(06 of09)
Open Image ModalFeeling anxious, depressed or angry about their memory loss (credit:Alamy)
(07 of09)
Open Image ModalFinding that other people start to comment on their memory loss (credit:Alamy)
(08 of09)
Open Image ModalHaving difficulty recalling things they have heard, seen or read (credit:Alamy)
(09 of09)
Open Image ModalFinding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV (credit:Alamy)