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The relationship between genetics and dementia is complex, with some forms showing a strong hereditary link.
Is Dementia Genetic?
A combination of factors influences the majority of actors. Because of this, many of us wonder if we can break the cycle and free ourselves from getting dementia in the future. Many books like those of Warren A. Patton depict the struggles of people with dementia and how difficult it can be to care for their ever progressing condition.
Certain rare forms of dementia, particularly young-onset dementia, are directly caused by specific gene mutations that can be inherited, significantly increasing the risk. Examples include some forms of Alzheimer’s disease linked to mutations in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes, as well as certain types of frontotemporal dementia.
More commonly, genes act as risk-making factors, making it more challenging to break the cycle and increasing susceptibility without guaranteeing the condition, like the APOE-e4 gene for Alzheimer’s.
Familial vs Sporadic Dementia
Familial dementia refers to cases with a strong family history, often due to inheritance. In contrast, sporadic dementia lacks a clear family pattern and is likely influenced by multiple risk factors.
Beyond genetics, age is the strongest risk factor, and lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption play a significant role. This means that we can still try to prevent familial dementia and break the cycle even though some are more likely to get it than others.
Environmental factors and vascular health also contribute to dementia risk. While genetic testing is needed to discuss the implications, dementia is a multifaceted condition where genetics interact with various other factors.
Can We Still Prevent Familial Dementia and Break the Cycle?
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Remember that familial dementia refers to a pattern among generations. However, this is not an assurance that you will automatically have dementia already. There is still a chance to prevent familial dementia and break the cycle of having dementia in your family. Here are some ways for you to do so:
Adjusting our Diet
Our diet plays a huge role in our overall health. This is because most of our bodily functions depend highly on our food. A diet that is low in fiber and heavy in sugar, salt, and saturated fat can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain.
However, one thing that we need to consider when adjusting our diet to one that is more healthy is that we should consume a nutritious, balanced diet. By balanced, it does not mean completely letting go of the “junk foods” you love. Completely restricting yourself from them right away will just cause you to fail in your diet and go back to your old ways. The best way is to lessen the amount and mix it with healthier food, and if possible, slowly taper it out.
Avoid Extremes in Weight
Obesity and being overweight raise blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes, which are both associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Thus, using the healthy weight calculator can be a big help in seeing if your weight falls within the acceptable range. Even decreasing 5–10% of your excess weight will lower your risk of dementia if you are overweight. When most people think of losing weight, they often believe that we need to eat less. However, this does not always have to be the case. We can switch out the unhealthy, fatty foods we like for fruits or other foods that are rich in healthy fats and nutrients.
Regularly Exercise
Lack of regular exercise raises your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, all of which are associated with an increased risk of dementia. It has been demonstrated that older persons who do not exercise are also more prone to experience cognitive capacity issues, which include memory and reasoning.
We should adhere to the suggested criteria of engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or dancing, for at least 150 minutes. Alternatively, we could also engage in strengthening activities like yoga or gardening at least twice weekly, especially if it is difficult for us to religiously stick to an exercise program given to us. Try to get up and walk about frequently. Sitting less is also beneficial. Use the stairs, climb escalators, and make phone calls while on the instance.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol use damages your neurological system, including your brain, and raises your risk of stroke, heart disease, and several types of cancer.
Follow the guidelines, which suggest that men and women should consume no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. You should divide your weekly alcohol consumption over three or more days and take a few days off if you typically consume up to 14 units in one sitting.
Stop Smoking
Smoking narrows your arteries, which might cause your blood pressure to rise. Additionally, it raises your chance of cardiovascular disease and several types of cancers.
Try to give up smoking as soon as you can. However, this is easier said than done because it has been proven that smoking is an addiction, making it difficult to break the cycle. Joining programs or even something as simple as enlisting help from your friends will play a massive role in helping you overcome a smoking problem.
Lower Your Risk for Developing Depression
Depression and dementia have a complicated relationship. Depression that is left untreated seems to raise the risk of dementia. Depression, however, might occur as a component of the general dementia symptoms. In any case, being anxious or depressed can impair your capacity to interact with others and partake in intellectually challenging activities.
Overall, though dementia can be considered familial and passed from generation to generation, there are still some ways to prevent it. Dementia can be complicated once it begins and even more challenging to manage. If you have a relative you care about who has dementia, you may want to purchase What is Dementia and Its Affect on the Mind? Dementia Help Guide Vol. 1 to help you through the struggles of caring for people with dementia and learn some tips for caring for them based on personal experience.
