Understand your risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and other important mental functions. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 – 70% of approximately 48 million dementia cases per year. More than 90% of Alzheimer’s cases are the late-onset form, with symptoms not appearing until after 65 years of age.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
The cause of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is currently unknown, but is likely due to a combination of environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors. Variation in the APOE gene is the strongest genetic factor influencing the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. There are three common variants (alleles) of APOE, known as e2, e3 and e4. Each of us inherit two copies of the APOE gene, and our APOE genotype indicates our risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease:
- e2/e2 – reduced risk
- e2/e3 – reduced risk
- e2/e4 – 3X increased risk
- e3/e3 – does not affect your risk
- e3/e4 – 3X increased risk
- e4/e4 – 10X to 15X increased risk
Brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease, which means that the nerve cells (neurons) are dying in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Two abnormal structures, plaques and tangles, are detected in affected brains and are the prime suspects for increasing cell death and tissue loss. Plaques, made of a protein called beta-amyloid, stop the nerve cells from talking to each other. Tangles form when tau, a protein that normally forms parallel strings inside nerve cells, crumbles down to twisted messes. Without the proper tau tracks, cells are unable to move nutrients and other essential supplies around. It is thought that the build up of plaques and tangles ultimately causes cell death, as seen in Alzheimer’s disease brains.
Warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease
- Memory loss that disturbs daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawals from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
- Nutritious diet
- Social engagement
- Adequate sleep
- Physical activity
- Mental stimulation
- Stress management
Four Easy Steps
Step 1: Order text kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a simple and painless mouth swab
Step 3: Mail samples to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 4: Receive your results online
