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ALZHEIMER'S
DISEASE: ARE YOU AT RISK?
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Alzheimer's
disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
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Alzheimer's can
strike people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. |
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More than 40
million Americans have a relative with Alzheimer's disease and 1 in 8 people
will develop Alzheimer's. |
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Alzheimer's
destroys brain cells and eventually results in loss of body functions. |
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Alzheimer’s Risk: |
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Alzheimer’s disease
runs in families but everyone has some risk of developing late onset
Alzheimer’s. The lifetime risk for the general population is 10-15%. This
means that approximately 15 out of 100 people will develop this condition by
age 85. Factors that may alter this risk include: |
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Age. The risk
for Alzheimer’s increases with age. Most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
disease are 65 years old or older. |
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Family History.
Those who have family members with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to
develop this condition than those without a family history. |
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Gender. Women
are at greater risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men. |
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Genetics. The
presence of a specific form of the APOE gene, APOE ε4, increases one’s
lifetime risk of getting late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Inheriting the APOE
ε2 form decreases one’s lifetime risk. |
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Ethnicity.
Different groups have different risks to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
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Know Your Risk
and Learn Your Options |
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DNA Dimensions offers
a confidential genetic test and expert guidance to provide you with valuable
information so you can make the best decisions for your health, your family,
and your future. You should consider testing for Alzheimer’s disease genetic
risk if… |
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You have a family
history of Alzheimer’s |
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You are concerned
about your risk of developing Alzheimer’s |
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Finding out you have
a lower risk of Alzheimer’s will provide peace of mind. |
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A
comprehensive assessment that includes genetic testing with expert
interpretation from a board certified genetic counselor can help you
understand your risk in the proper context and provide you with information
so you can control your future. |
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Genetic
Testing: For Your Health |
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"Although there is no
way to change one’s APOE-ε4 status [the high risk form of the APOE gene],
lifestyle modifications may help reduce the potential effects of having
APOE-ε4. These lifestyle modifications include eating a heart-healthy diet,
exercising and staying mentally active." – Alzheimer's Association,
April 2008 |
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There are changes
you can make right now that promote a healthy brain and may help lower the
risk for Alzheimer’s. These include: |
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Lowering cholesterol
and homocysteine levels |
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Lowering high blood
pressure levels |
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Controlling diabetes
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Exercising regularly
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Engaging in social
and intellectually stimulating activities |
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Your test results
report is a guide to help you partner with your physician to implement
appropriate lifestyle changes. High risk individuals may want to consider
screening to detect early symptoms of the disease. Because there are medical
treatments available that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, early
detection of symptoms plus early treatment equals better health outcomes and
more good years. |
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Genetic
Testing: For Your Family |
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Alzheimer’s is a
disease that impacts the entire family. Knowing your risk can provide
valuable information to have informed discussions with your family. |
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Reassure your family
about your personal risk of Alzheimer’s disease |
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Develop an
Alzheimer’s Readiness Plan with your family |
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Genetic Testing: For Your
Financial Future |
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"My father’s
Alzheimer’s care exhausted his savings. I want to know my risk so I can make
informed decisions for my retirement and future healthcare." -George
P, San Jose, CA |
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A recent survey found that Americans do not plan for the possibility of
developing Alzheimer’s. Key findings: |
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80% think it is
important to plan ahead for the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s |
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83% have taken NO
steps to prepare for the possibility of Alzheimer’s |
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58% have NOT
designated anyone to take care of their affairs if they were to get
Alzheimer’s disease |
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