There’s no surefire way to predict who will develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Some of the risk factors are entirely out of our control, while others can be affected by our lifestyles and habits. Let’s take a look at what we can and can’t do to prevent Alzheimer’s.

The most obvious risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is age: Your chances of developing Alzheimer’s increase as you grow older. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, defined as affecting people under the age of 65, is relatively uncommon, accounting for only about 5% of all cases.

Sometimes early-onset Alzheimer’s runs in a family. The risk is wired right into your genes. But even if you know you have a gene that puts you at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s, you can still take an active stance. One option is to participate in a research study: There are many promising trials being held. And know that while your genes may increase your risk, genes alone will not determine if you’ll develop the disease. Healthy lifestyle habits always make sense for someone who knows they carry a gene associated with Alzheimer’s.