In this section we will discuss both Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer's disease. MCI is a specific type of memory loss that progresses into Alzheimer's disease at a rate of 12-15% per year, if no preventive measures are implemented.
Are there Risk Factors for MCI and How is Alzheimer's Diagnosed? There are a number of risk factors that lead to cognitive decline. The main factors are:
1. Age - With increasing age, there is a greater incidence of cognitive decline. 2. Family history - If someone's first-degree relative (mother, father, or sibling) has Alzheimer's, the chances are up to seven times greater that they may develop the disease. 3. APOe-4 gene - A person with two APOe-4 genes is at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. 4. Depression 5. Hypothyroidism 6. Head injury
The good news is that many risk factors can be controlled effectively by adopting correct lifestyle choices. The three most important ways in which lifestyle modifications can impact our brain health are :
Alzheimer's and Genetics Perhaps the most investigated field of the new millennium is genetics. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and Huntington's disease are single-gene disorders. If a person inherits the gene that causes one of these disorders, he or she will usually develop the disease. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, is not caused by a single gene. The two basic types of Alzheimer's are Familial and Sporadic.
Familial Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's, affecting less than 10 percent of AD patients. This form is inherited within families from generation to generation.
Sporadic The majority of Alzheimer's cases are sporadic, late-onset, usually developing after age 65.
Sporadic, late-onset Alzheimer's disease has no known cause and shows no obvious inheritance pattern. However, in some families, clusters of cases are seen. Although a specific gene has not been identified as the cause of late-onset Alzheimer's, genetic factors do appear to play a role in the development of this form. Only one risk factor gene has been linked to Alzheimer's diseases so far. Researchers have identified an increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's related to the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene found on chromosome 19. The APOE gene comes in several different forms, but three occur most frequently: APOE e2, APOE e3, and APOE e4. People inherit one APOE from each parent. Having the e4 form is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but it does not mean that Alzheimer's disease will necessarily develop. The e3 form is the most common form found in the general population and may play a neutral role in AD. The rarer e2 form appears to be associated with a lower risk of AD. The exact degree of risk of Alzheimer's for any given person cannot be determined based on APOE status.
It is possible to evaluate your predisposition to develop Alzheimer's disease and make lifestyle choices that reduce your risk factors. More and more evidence is emerging that proves environmental factors play a significant role in determining if the disease will develop and progress.
• Use the internet to do research on genetic conditions and prevention strategies. Some useful sites are:
• Learn as much as you can about your family health history, especially about your siblings, parents, and grandparents.
• Share information with your physician. He or she needs to be aware of your family history in order to help you make medical decisions.
• Consult a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors provide information and support to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and discuss options with the family. Locate a counselor at the National Society of Genetic Counselors at
• Have a memory screening done on a regular basis, as part of your annual physical. Many memory difficulties are due to correctable conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or stress.
• Consult a doctor if you are concerned about a head injury and Alzheimer's.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices. By using programs like the ARPF's 4 Pillars of Alzheimer's Prevention, it is possible to minimize the risk factors and prevent memory loss!
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has launched a major study to discover remaining genetic risk factors for late-onset AD. Geneticists from the NIA's Alzheimer's Disease Centers are working to collect genetic samples from families affected by multiple cases of late-onset AD. Researchers are seeking large families with two or more living relatives with late-onset AD. Families interested in participating in this study can contact the National Cell Repository for Alzheimer's Disease at 1-800-526-2839. Information may also be requested through their website, .
The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation is a charitable organization registered under s.496.411(3), F.S. A copy of the official registration may be obtained from the division of consumer affairs by calling 1-800-435-7352 Toll-Free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. ARPF's registration number in Florida is CH-31726.
Important Notice: ARPF does not provide medical advice nor promote any product or service. The contents are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified physician or health care professional about any medical concern, and do not disregard professional medical advice because of anything you may read on this web site. The ARPF, its affiliates or agents, or any other parties involved in the preparation or publication of this site are not responsible for errors or omissions in information provided on this site or any actions resulting from the use of such information.
