Black Folks & Alzheimer’s: Risk Factors You HAVEN’T Considered…

By now, most people have heard of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impacting millions across the planet. Of course, that doesn’t mean every case is similar. While age, genetics, and family history play a huge role, there are also lesser-known risk factors at play.  If you’re unsure about these less common risk factors, don’t sweat it. Let’s break down five surprising risk factors for the disease you probably haven’t considered. 1. Quality Sleep Sure, sleep is good for feeling strong and rested, but it also plays a big role in keeping your brain healthy. Bad sleep – whether caused by stress or conditions like sleep apnea – has been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  Why does this happen? The science shows that poor sleep quality over time can cause inflammation in the brain. Then there’s the type of sleep. When we enter what’s called ‘deep sleep,’ our brains clear out something called amyloid-beta. Turns out, this problematic protein builds up plaques in people with Alzheimer’s. And in time, these plaques impact everything from memory to attention and cognitive functions.  If you’re struggling with sleep conditions, first, see a specialist. Aside from that, try to set a...