Does Alzheimer’s Run in Families?

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Alzheimer’s is one of the leading causes of death among older adults, but with treatment and healthy lifestyle choices, the condition can be managed. Various factors, including age and genetic mutations, increase a senior’s risk of the disease. Continue reading to learn whether Alzheimer’s runs in families and what seniors can do to lower their risk of developing this progressive disorder.

Family Medical History

Alzheimer’s does have a hereditary aspect. If your parent’s mother, father, or siblings were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, your loved one could have a slightly higher risk of developing the condition.  This progressive condition is associated with mutations in genes on chromosomes 1, 14, and 21. If there’s a family history of these genetic mutations, they can be passed down to your loved one and other family members. Any changes in these genes could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s developing.

Top Causes

Even if Alzheimer’s disease runs in your family, genetics alone won’t cause the condition. Genetics combined with environmental factors can cause the disease to develop. If your loved one displays symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, slowed processing speeds, and behavioral challenges, take him or her to the doctor for testing immediately. You should also learn more about age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s to understand how they develop and what prevention methods your loved one can take. Some of the top causes of Alzheimer’s include: • Inactive lifestyle • Aging • Head traumas • Sleep disorders Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Treatment

The death of brain cells cannot be reversed, and there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are strategies seniors and their families can use to address the condition and slow its progression. The disease is often managed with medications that reduce symptoms and boost quality of life. Most primary care physicians typically prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil and tacrine. Your loved one should also take up therapeutic activities—such as participating in art and music therapy, joining an exercise club, or attending senior support groups—to enhance his or her mood and stimulate the mind. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care. Arlington Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Reducing the Risk

Your loved one should get tested for the APOE-4 gene after the age of 55, because finding out if he or she has this gene could indicate the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. However, even if your loved one tests negative for the gene, he or she could still develop the condition due to other health problems and lifestyle choices. Therefore, your loved one needs to use the following strategies to lower that risk: • Get regular exercise • Take up purposeful hobbies • Learn new things to stimulate the mind • Maintain a healthy cardiovascular system • Stop smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption • Control stress If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Arlington Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Call us at (817) 591-1580 to create a customized in-home care plan.

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