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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2008, at 14:41:11
Here are simple causes of Alzheimers seems the heart health is very important or a head injury. Thought it interesting. Phillipa.
Causes & Risk Factors
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Introduction
Risk factors
Risk factors you may be able to influence
Introduction
While scientists know Alzheimers disease involves progressive brain cell failure, they have not yet identified any single reason why cells fail. However, they have identified certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimers.Back to top
Risk factorsAge
The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimers is increasing age. Most individuals with the disease are 65 or older. The likelihood of developing Alzheimers doubles about every five years after age 65. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent.Family history
Another risk factor is family history. Research has shown that those who have a parent, brother or sister, or child with Alzheimers are more likely to develop Alzheimers. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either heredity (genetics) or environmental factors or both may play a role.Genetics (heredity)
Scientists know genes are involved in Alzheimers. There are two categories of genes that can play a role in determining whether a person develops a disease. Alzheimer genes have been found in both categories:
1) Risk genes increase the likelihood of developing a disease, but do not guarantee it will happen. Scientists have so far identified one Alzheimer risk gene called apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4).APOE-e4 is one of three common forms of the APOE gene; the others are APOE-e2 and APOE-e3. APOE provides the blueprint for one of the proteins that carries cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Everyone inherits a copy of some form of APOE from each parent. Those who inherit one copy of APOE-e4 have an increased risk of developing Alzheimers. Those who inherit two copies have an even higher risk, but not a certainty. Scientists do not yet know how APOE-e4 raises risk. In addition to raising risk, APOE-e4 may tend to make symptoms appear at a younger age than usual.
Experts believe there may be as many as a dozen other Alzheimer risk genes in addition to APOE-e4.
2) Deterministic genes directly cause a disease, guaranteeing that anyone who inherits them will develop the disorder. Scientists have found rare genes that directly cause Alzheimers in only a few hundred extended families worldwide.
When Alzheimers disease is caused by deterministic genes, it is called familial Alzheimers disease, and many family members in multiple generations are affected. True familial Alzheimers accounts for less than 5 percent of cases.
Genetic tests are available for both APOE-e4 and the rare genes that directly cause Alzheimers. However, health professionals do not currently recommend routine genetic testing for Alzheimers disease. Testing for APOE-e4 is sometimes included as a part of research studies.
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Risk factors you may be able to influence
Age, family history and heredity are all risk factors we cant change. Now, research is beginning to reveal clues about other risk factors we may be able to influence.Head injury: There appears to be a strong link between serious head injury and future risk of Alzheimers. Protect your head by buckling your seat belt, wearing your helmet when participating in sports, and fall-proofing your home.
Heart-head connection: Some of the strongest evidence links brain health to heart health. Your brain is nourished by one of your bodys richest networks of blood vessels. Every heartbeat pumps about 20 to 25 percent of your blood to your head, where brain cells use at least 20 percent of the food and oxygen your blood carries.
The risk of developing Alzheimers or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise.
General healthy aging: Other lines of evidence suggest that strategies for overall healthy aging may help keep the brain healthy and may even offer some protection against developing Alzheimers or related diseases. Try to keep your weight within recommended guidelines, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol, stay socially connected, and exercise both your body and mind.
For more information about keeping your brain healthy as you age, please see our Brain Health section.
Posted by SLS on April 27, 2008, at 15:16:39
In reply to Simple Causes of Alzheimers Disease, posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2008, at 14:41:11
Hi Phillipa.
I don't understand why you used the word "simple".
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2008, at 15:53:49
In reply to Re: Simple Causes of Alzheimers Disease » Phillipa, posted by SLS on April 27, 2008, at 15:16:39
Scott maybe a poor choice of a word. But genetics and head trauma are things I'd always thought. Sorry if it offended anyone. Phillipa
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on April 27, 2008, at 23:26:43
In reply to Simple Causes of Alzheimers Disease, posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2008, at 14:41:11
Very interesting. Thank you.
This is the end of the thread.
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