What brings on Alzheimer’s and Dementia? The exact cause is unknown right now, however, a university in Findland says their study shows that prolonged stress in your life is the main trigger. When we are stressed, our heart races, our blood pressure goes up, and the hormone cortisol enters the brain. Once that hormone is in the brain it starts killing cells, and that’s what brings about the disease. The study is ongoing, and they hope to have more information in the coming months.