ALZHEIMERS DISEASE AND CHOLESTEROLS SUB-TYPE (apolipoprotein E)

It has been written that if you live long enough, you will be subjected to Alzheimer's Disease. How valid is this statement?

There is no test to predict if a person who is asymptomatic for the disease will likely acquire this form of dementia.

There is screening for those who do have dementia and this MAY help diagnose those with Alzheimer's

There is much that can be done if you are at risk for Alzheimer's

1) Staying active, this means keeping your mind and body challenged. This can be done with exercise for body and challenging the mind with reading and doing things to keep your mind active. Much depends on the individuals skill levels and learning abilities.

2)The best way to determine your risk for this disease, is to look into your family history,as this is the BEST way to determine this pattern of inheritance. There are times when depression can mimic this form of dementia. Make sure before you accept a diagnosis of this disease that you or your loved one is thoroughly tested.

3) If you do suspect an emerging pattern be sure to check with a qualified genetic counselor, there is a web site that is brought to you by THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF GENETIC COUNSELOR'S (Web sitewww.nsgc.org)).

4) These counselors are trained to look into your family history and give advise as to whether genetic counseling is warranted and to interpret test results.

5) Home based testing has draw backs and are for informational knowledge only.

6) What is usually done is a small sample is sent in for analysis and are scanned for genetic variations called SNP(single nucleotide polymorphism) found in the DNA of cells. This type of testing is flawed by the fact that there are many outside issues that can skew the results of these tests.(this means conditions such as the enviorment can cause an alteration in the gene.

7) This testing is not covered by health insurance and is only covered when ordered by a physician.

8) Early intervention before the acquisition of Alzheimer's is crucial, as there are medications that delay this disease. Example, Aricept, and there are others.

9) As always check with your physician for guidance.

10) There are privacy issues that apply to patient care, but not all protect against discriminating practices.

11) Even though there are security measures placed ,there are times when this type of information can fall into the wrong hands, an example could be computer hacking.

It is important to get medical care early in this disease and testing for cholesterol sub-type apolipoprotein E does not always predict the outcome of Alzheimer's,but can be predictive.

Stay Healthy
Laura