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Sep 04, 2010 / 10:13 pm |
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Welcome to DNA Dimensions Welcome to DNA Dimensions |
Health DNA testing
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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: | |||
| 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 E2 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 | |||
| 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. | ||
| 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 | |||
| "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 | |||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| "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 | |||
| 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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