In short, we don’t know as much as we would like. Genetic mutations and exposure to risk factors (e.g., cardiometabolic disorders) may slowly start to put changes into motion from birth until 40 year of age, while symptoms may not be observed until after 60 years of age. This gives a vague window from 20–60 years of age for the modification of misfolding and/or aggregation of amyloid-beta and/or tau proteins that may begin producing plaques and tangles that trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, ultimately leading to cell death and neurodegeneration. There is likely much more nuance to this process, including the influence of diet[1] and lifestyle[2] that can prevent and/or treat these characteristic modifications of AD, but more research is needed to completely understand neurodegenerative disease.
What do we know about the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The progression of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed that genetic mutations and risk factors may initiate changes from birth until around age 40, and symptoms typically appear after age 60. Factors such as diet and lifestyle may influence the disease's development, but further research is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding.