Alzheimer's in the family: what about me?
There are indeed hereditary forms of Alzheimer's, often associated with early onset (diagnosed before age 65)
Alzheimer's in the Family: Should You Be Concerned About Your Own Health?
When a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, it is normal to feel concerned about your own risk of developing this condition. However, it is important to understand that, although certain genetic aspects play a role, the situation is more complex and nuanced than one might think. Here are some key points to understand.
Hereditary Forms: Rare but Important
There are indeed hereditary forms of Alzheimer's, often associated with an early onset (diagnosed before age 65). In these rare cases, carriers of certain specific genetic mutations have an almost 100% chance of developing the disease during their lifetime. However, these forms represent only a small minority of Alzheimer's cases, less than 5% of Alzheimer's cases.
Genetic Predisposition: Not an Inevitable Destiny
In other cases, a genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's, but this risk is far from absolute. Many other factors, such as lifestyle, general health, and environment, also play a crucial role. In other words, a person with a genetic predisposition may never develop the disease, while another without this predisposition may have it.
What to Do? Prevent and Monitor
Faced with these uncertainties, it is important to adopt a proactive attitude while remaining calm:
Prevention: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. This includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, good quality sleep, and stress management and management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Monitoring: It is also recommended to monitor your health and memory regularly, without sinking into anxiety. If symptoms appear, a rapid medical consultation will allow for an early diagnosis and improved care.
Stay Calm
Although having a parent with Alzheimer's can increase the risk, it is crucial to remember that there are many other factors at play. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and monitoring your health are important measures, but it is equally essential not to let these concerns dominate your daily life. By keeping a calm mind and taking care of yourself, you are already doing a lot to protect your cognitive health.