Alzheimer’s disease is believed to have a strong genetic component and is often hereditary. But new research has found that poor nutrition and inactivity are also major risk factors and account for as many as 25 percent of all cases of Alzheimer’s.

The findings, by Tufts University researchers, indicate that prolonged consumption of a Western diet — high in fat, salt, sugar, and carbs — when combined with a sedentary lifestyle led to an increase susceptibility to Alzheimer’s. Although the research involved laboratory mice, the scientists say the findings have significant implications for people, too, Medical Express reports.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, suggest some components of the American diet — animal products, fat, and sugars — increase inflammation and an overactive immune response that may promote Alzheimer’s.

“Some components of the western diet have been associated with the development of peripheral inflammation over time, and the study's findings strengthen the possibility that immune activity in the brain increases Alzheimer's disease susceptibility,” the researchers said.

“Previous studies had focused on specific components of the western diet, but it may be that the combination is important.”