Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease are:
Age: after age 65, the likelihood of dementia increases dramatically
- family history: having close relatives with Alzheimer's disease
- head trauma: severe trauma, even in the distant past, predisposes to dementia
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels: hypertension, stroke, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia
genetic component
Scientists distinguish two groups of genes associated with Alzheimer's disease: risk genes and deterministic genes.The former simply increase the risk of developing the disease, while the latter means that their carrier will definitely become a victim of Alzheimer's disease.
Three identified genes identified
They say that early forms diseases have an autosomal dominant transmission. Autosomal because the genes involved are not located on the sex chromosomes, so the disease affects both sexes; Dominant: It is enough for one copy of the gene to be mutated to develop the disease. Each gene is present in two copies in one person, one from the mother, the other from the father. This means that the affected person has a 1 in 2 chance of passing on their illness to each concept. In addition to mutations, an increase in the number of copies of the gene, found in 7% of cases, explains the disease, which appears between 41 and 65 years.
- It is the gene most often mutated in hereditary Alzheimer's disease.
- More than 180 different mutations have been identified.
- Approximately 20 mutations have been identified.
- People with this mutation cause the disease between the ages of 37 and 64.
Risk genes:
Apolipoprotein E-E4 (APOE-e4) gene: 20-25% of carriers of this gene will eventually be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
- inherited from both parents, the APOE-e4 gene further increases the risk and also predisposes to the early onset of the disease. An alternative gene, APOE-e2, is a natural defense against dementia - it significantly reduces the likelihood of the disease.
- a group of genes that regulate communication between nerve cells in the brain and the level of inflammation in nervous system. Mutations in these genes are associated with Alzheimer's disease in old age and have little effect on the fate of young people, unlike APOE-e4.
Diagnosis of early hereditary Alzheimer's disease
The identification of these genes and their mutations is critical to understanding disease mechanisms. Research continues to look for other mutations and other genes responsible for about 20% of unexplained hereditary forms today. In case of suspected Alzheimer's disease, a molecular diagnosis is made through a blood test. Genetic counseling is also offered: this multidisciplinary counseling is designed to inform the patient and his family about his disease and its consequences.
Deterministic genes:
Amyloid beta precursor gene (APP)
- gene presenilin-1 (PS-1) and presenilin-2 (PS-2)
All three deterministic genes are responsible for the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain, which is toxic to nerve cells a protein that causes neuronal death and dementia.
Deterministic genes predispose to Alzheimer's disease with early start, but the absence of these genes is not at all an "insurance" against a serious illness.
About Alzheimer's and Dementia
An Alzheimer's disease diagnosis changes the life of a person with the disease, as well as family and friends, but information and support is available. Nobody has to deal with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term for disorders that result from cerebral dysfunction. Alzheimer's disease causes memory, thinking and behavioral disorders. Illness, symptoms of dementia may be mild but worsen as further deterioration brain states.
In the presence of the APP, PS-1 and PS-2 genes, they speak of familial Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms of dementia in such carriers usually appear before the age of 60, sometimes even in their 30s or 40s.
Familial Alzheimer's disease accounts for only 5% of cases.
Influence of heredity on other types of dementia:
Huntington's disease: A dominant mutation on the 4th chromosome leads to progressive dementia and hyperkinesia, symptoms of the disease usually appear after 30 years of age.
- dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease are also genetically determined.
The rate of progression of Alzheimer's disease varies from person to person, although it has been estimated average duration life after the onset of the first symptoms is eight years. However, if there is currently no treatment to stop the progression of the disease, some medications can treat the symptoms of dementia. Over the past 30 years, dementia research has provided a deeper understanding of how Alzheimer's affects the brain. Today, researchers continue to search for more effective methods treatments and treatments for this disease, as well as ways to prevent it from occurring and improve brain health.
Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Forgetfulness and memory loss may be early signs and symptoms.Over time, a person begins to get confused in places, facts and numbers, becomes more and more disoriented, his ability to work worsens, independence in everyday affairs is lost.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may include:
Memory loss and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Memory disorders, especially difficulty remembering newly acquired information, are often the first symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Our brain changes as we age, and sometimes we find it difficult to remember certain details. However, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia cause memory loss and symptoms severe enough to interfere with everyday life. These symptoms are not a natural consequence of aging.
There are a number of factors that cause memory loss. If you or someone you know has dementia-like symptoms, you should see your doctor to determine the cause. In addition to memory loss, Alzheimer's symptoms include.
Personal and behavioral changes
- problems with daily activities
- Difficulty recognizing objects and familiar people
- disorientation in time and space
- excessive forgetfulness
Patients may become irritable, excitable, restless, experience sudden personality changes, and have difficulty speaking. They are increasingly dependent on the people around them and may need special security measures.
Difficulty performing previously simple tasks; Difficulty in solving problems; Changes in mood or personality, distance from friends and family, communication problems, written or verbal, confusion of places, people, and events Visual changes, such as visual disturbances. Family and friends may notice symptoms of Alzheimer's or other progressive dementias before a person experiences these changes. If you or someone you know has symptoms of possible dementia, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer's patients live an average of 8-10 years after the onset of symptoms.
Because a person is unable to eat and take care of himself, death usually occurs as a result of malnutrition and severe infections such as pneumonia.
Irina:
Hello! I would like to know if Alzheimer's disease is hereditary? How likely is it for me to get it if my grandmother had it?
Thanks in advance.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
There are no tests to detect Alzheimer's disease. Diagnosis requires a complete medical examination, which may include. There is no simple screening for Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis requires a thorough medical examination. You may use blood tests, mental health tests, and brain imaging to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Your family history; Neurological examination; Cognitive tests to assess memory and thought; Blood analysis; Cerebral Imaging. While doctors can usually tell if a person has dementia or not, it may be harder to determine the form of dementia. Diagnostic errors are more common in people with Alzheimer's disease early age age.
Doctor's answer:
Hello Irina.
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain in which its main function is lost - cognitive. We can say that with this disease, the death of brain cells occurs. The exact cause of this disease has not yet been identified, although there are quite a few hypotheses. In the causes that can provoke the development of the disease, heredity plays the main role. But, nevertheless, this does not in any way mean that the disease is inherited. Only the predisposition to the disease is inherited.
Alzheimer's Treatment and Support
It is important to correctly diagnose early in the disease, as it will be. Greater likelihood of access to affordable treatments that can improve quality of life; Access to support services; Opportunity to participate in trials and clinical studies; an opportunity to express wishes for future care and housing arrangements, and to have time to take legal and administrative action. Although there is currently no treatment to slow or stop brain damage due to Alzheimer's disease, several medications may help relieve symptoms of dementia in some people.
There are also recommendations for prevention, which include the prevention of brain injuries, the prevention of thyroid diseases, the exclusion of overstrain and stress, proper nutrition, exception bad habits, intoxications, regular physical exercises, intellectual development. The greater the development in mental terms, the much less likely to get sick. If you lead healthy lifestyle life, then the possibility of getting sick is completely reduced to a minimum. To diagnose Alzheimer's disease, a set of tests is used that can be taken by a neurologist, as well as magnetic resonance imaging, where cerebral atrophy (death of brain cells) will be detected in Alzheimer's disease.
These drugs work by increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain. France's National Alzheimer's Plan is the first European country, which implemented the national plan to combat Alzheimer's disease. Its main goal is to improve diagnosis and care, and to speed up research.
Researchers continue to search the best treatment Alzheimer's disease and other progressive dementias. A dozen therapies and pharmacological therapies are currently underway to combat the death of Alzheimer's cells. In addition, the development of support systems and the use of non-pharmacological behavioral interventions can improve the quality of life of people with dementia, as well as their families and caregivers.
Special preparations capable of
