Which statement about Alzheimer's disease risk factors is true?

Which statement about Alzheimer's disease risk factors is true?

• A. Genetics is the most significant risk factor
• B. Advancing age is the most significant risk factor
• C. Diet is the most significant
• D. Exercise is the most significant

Answer: (B)

Advancing age is the strongest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease because the chances of developing the condition rise markedly as people get older. Most cases occur in individuals over 65, and incidence increases with each passing year. While genetics can influence risk—for example, certain alleles or rare familial mutations raise the likelihood of Alzheimer's—their impact is not as substantial as age for the typical late-onset form. Lifestyle factors like diet or exercise can modulate risk to some degree and may affect overall brain health, but they do not outweigh aging as the primary determinant. Therefore, the statement that advancing age is the most significant risk factor is true.

Advancing age is the strongest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease because the chances of developing the condition rise markedly as people get older. Most cases occur in individuals over 65, and incidence increases with each passing year. While genetics can influence risk—for example, certain alleles or rare familial mutations raise the likelihood of Alzheimer's—their impact is not as substantial as age for the typical late-onset form. Lifestyle factors like diet or exercise can modulate risk to some degree and may affect overall brain health, but they do not outweigh aging as the primary determinant. Therefore, the statement that advancing age is the most significant risk factor is true.