Doctors and the medical community do not yet fully understand why some people develop Alzheimer’s disease while others do not, despite the fact that millions of Americans are currently fighting this condition. There are many factors that can increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease as you age. Genetic factors are considered one of the leading indications that a person may develop Alzheimer’s. In addition to heredity, both environmental factors and lifestyle patterns may have an impact on a person’s risk for developing the disease. People who have close relatives such as parents or siblings who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have a slightly elevated risk of being diagnosed with the condition themselves. Other factors may include previous head injuries, gender, age, sleep quality, cardiac health, and lifetime education. People who consistently challenge their brains by pursuing education, having a cognitively stimulating job, engaging in frequent social activities, and challenging hobbies can help protect their brains from cognitive damage and diseases like Alzheimer’s. If you are at an elevated risk for developing the condition because of your family history, a doctor may be able to help you by providing lifestyle recommendations that can help maintain your memory retention and healthy brain function.