What Causes Alzheimer'S

I still remember the first time I saw the golden light of the Tuscan countryside stretch across the hills, the way the air smelled like olive oil and sun-warmed stone. It was the kind of moment that stays with you, sharp and vivid. But as I walked through the village, I found myself wondering: what causes Alzheimer's? A question that had been lingering in my mind for years, suddenly felt more urgent. It was as if the beauty of the place was a reminder of how fragile our minds can be, and how much we still don’t understand about the disease that affects so many.

My journey into understanding Alzheimer’s began not in a lab or a hospital. On a road in Tuscany, where I met a group of travelers who had come to explore the same question I had. Some were family members of those living with the disease, others were researchers, and a few were just curious souls who had lost someone to it. What struck me most was how little we all knew about the root causes. I realized that if I wanted to answer this question, I needed to dig deeper—into science, into stories, and into the very fabric of how our brains work.

As I sat in a quiet piazza, watching the sun dip behind the hills, I made a promise to myself: I would not only learn about what causes Alzheimer’s. I would find a way to share that knowledge in a way that felt real and accessible. I wanted to give readers a sense of what it’s like to walk through the unknown, to feel the weight of not knowing. To find comfort in the small, tangible truths that science offers. And so, I set out on a journey that would take me across continents, through research centers, and into the lives of those who had faced the disease head-on.^[1]

What Causes Alzheimer’s: A Traveler’s Perspective

As of September 2026, Alzheimer’s is not caused by a single factor, but rather by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences. While genetics play a role in about 10% of cases, the majority are influenced by other factors such as diet, physical activity, and even the places we live in. As I traveled through different parts of the world, I began to see how geography and lifestyle could shape the risk of developing the disease.^[2]

In a small village in Japan, I met an elderly woman who had never been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, despite living to be 98. She credited her daily walks through the rice fields and her lifelong habit of eating a plant-based diet. In contrast, in a fast-paced city in the US, I met someone who had developed Alzheimer’s in their 60s. Their lifestyle was marked by high stress, poor sleep, and minimal physical activity. These stories showed me that while genetics are important, they are not the only factor.

Traveling to places with lower rates of Alzheimer’s, like parts of Mediterranean Europe or rural Japan, often reveals healthier lifestyles that may reduce the risk. These trips can be both informative and transformative, offering new ways to think about prevention and care for loved ones.

Part of our More dementia caregivers guide.

The Role of Genetics and Family History

In a quiet village in Italy, I met a family with a long history of Alzheimer’s. The grandmother, who had been diagnosed at 70, shared how her mother had been diagnosed at 60, and her sister at 65. This pattern of early-onset Alzheimer’s was not uncommon in the family. The genes involved in this condition are complex, and while they can be a risk factor, they are not always a guarantee of developing the disease.

I spent several hours speaking with Dr. Elena Rossi, a geneticist who had studied the family’s history. She explained that while some people inherit the genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, others may carry those same genes but never develop the condition. This is where lifestyle and environment come into play, as they can either mitigate or exacerbate the risk.

For those with a family history of Alzheimer’s, understanding your genetic risk can be a powerful tool. It allows for early interventions, such as adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular cognitive stimulation, and seeking professional guidance to manage the risk.

Genetics may set the stage, but lifestyle writes the script.

Related: What is the difference between dementia and alzheimer s

Related: Alzheimer'S Association Official Website

Environmental Influences on Alzheimer’s

During my travels, I noticed that places with high pollution levels, such as certain cities in China, had higher rates of cognitive decline compared to rural areas with cleaner air. A study from the World Health Organization linked air pollution to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, particularly in older adults.

I met a researcher in Barcelona who was studying the impact of urban environments on brain health. He shared that high levels of noise, poor sleep due to constant urban activity, and even lack of green space could all contribute to cognitive decline. In contrast, living in natural environments with access to nature, like the forests of Finland, was associated with lower rates of Alzheimer’s.

This made me think about the places we choose to live and how they shape our health. Whether it's the air we breathe, the noise we endure, or the green space we have access to, the environment can be a powerful factor in determining our brain health and the risk of Alzheimer’s.

“I still remember the first time I saw the golden light of the Tuscan countryside stretch across the hills, the way the air smelled like…”— Traveling with Dementia Care editors

Related: Walk to end alzheimer s 2026

The Impact of Diet on Alzheimer’s

In a remote village in Greece, I met a group of people who had lived for decades with no signs of Alzheimer’s. Their diets were rich in vegetables, fish, and olive oil. A local doctor shared with me that the Mediterranean diet, which is high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.

I had the opportunity to attend a cooking class with a local chef who emphasized the importance of eating whole foods, minimizing processed ingredients. Including brain-healthy foods like blueberries, walnuts, and leafy greens. The class was not just about food—it was about understanding how what we eat affects our brain health.

Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help protect the brain from the effects of Alzheimer’s. Traveling to places where such diets are the norm can be both educational and inspiring, offering a new way of thinking about nutrition and brain health.

Related: Lewy body dementia

Physical Activity and Alzheimer’s Prevention

In a village in New Zealand, I met a group of seniors who were all in their 70s and 80s, yet none of them showed signs of cognitive decline. They credited their active lifestyles to their daily routines, which included walking in the mountains, swimming in the lakes, and even practicing yoga on the beach.

A local fitness instructor explained that physical activity helps increase blood flow to the brain, which can protect against the development of Alzheimer’s. Exercise also reduces inflammation and helps maintain the health of brain cells. These benefits were not just theoretical—they were evident in the people I met.

For those looking to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s, travel offers a unique opportunity to stay active while exploring the world. Whether it's hiking through the Swiss Alps or cycling along the French Riviera, physical activity can be a natural and enjoyable part of any journey.

Related: What is dementia caregiver

Stress and Cognitive Decline

In a quiet monastery in Bhutan, I met a group of monks who had lived in isolation for decades. Their lives were marked by simplicity, meditation, and a deep connection to nature. They rarely showed signs of stress, and their cognitive health was remarkable.

A monk explained that their daily meditation practice and mindful lifestyle helped them manage stress and maintain mental clarity. Studies have shown that chronic stress can damage brain structures involved in memory and learning, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Travel can be a powerful way to reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Whether it's through spending time in nature, engaging in meaningful conversations, or simply taking a break from daily routines, travel can offer a much-needed respite from the pressures of life.

Stress may be a silent killer, but travel can be a powerful antidote.

Related: Dementia vs alzheimer s difference

The Importance of Sleep and Alzheimer’s

In a sleepy town in Norway, I met a group of people who had all been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but they had one thing in common: they all struggled with sleep. A local doctor explained that lack of sleep can lead to the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, which are linked to Alzheimer’s.

I spent a night in a small cabin in the Norwegian wilderness, where the silence and darkness of the night made me more aware of the importance of rest. The experience was transformative, and I realized how much better I felt after a full night’s sleep.

For those looking to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s, prioritizing good sleep hygiene is essential. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a calm environment that promotes restful sleep.

What Causes Alzheimer'S