Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Many people who have relatives with this disease worry that it may run in the family. Does having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease increase your risk of developing it?
If your family member has Alzheimer’s disease, does that mean you’ll get it too?
“There’s a truly inherited form of the disease called familial Alzheimer’s disease, early-onset Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Ronald Petersen, of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Petersen says people with this rare, genetic form of Alzheimer’s have a 50-50 chance of getting the disease, often at an early age, say, in their 40s or 50s.
“The vast majority of the disease is called sporadic, but even in sporadic cases, there can be a familial tendency,” he says.
Sporadic cases tend to happen after age 65. So even if you don’t have a known genetic link but do have relatives with Alzheimer’s disease, your risk could be double or triple that of the general population.
“In general, people 65 years and older, the risk of getting the disease is perhaps 10%,” says Dr. Petersen.
How can you reduce your risk? Dr. Petersen recommends moderate exercise; brain games; socialize; and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein.
“Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network.”
Republished with permission[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
