If Mom Has Alzheimer’s, Are You at Risk Too?
If your mom has Alzheimer’s, learn what your own risk factors are and what you can do to protect your cognitive health.
Mom has Alzheimer’s, and as you watch her struggle to remember your name or complete her daily routine, a distressing thought might slip into your mind: “Is this my fate, too?” It’s normal to fear facing identical problems when a parent has Alzheimer’s or dementia. We encourage you to take a deep breath and think about the following facts, causes, and risk factors of Alzheimer’s and dementia to help empower you to work through these worries and discover some peace.
Family History and Genetics
One of the initial considerations is definitely the role of genes. Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, has a genetic component. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s are at an increased chance of developing the disease themselves. Still, it is critical to understand that having a parent with Alzheimer’s disease does not guarantee that you will get it as well.
Types of Alzheimer’s Disease
There are two kinds of Alzheimer’s: early-onset and late-onset. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, which happens between the ages of 30 and 60, can be associated with specific genetic mutations. These mutations are somewhat rare and are usually passed directly from one generation to the next.
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which happens after age 60, is more common and has a less clear genetic link. While genes are involved on some level, other factors, including environment and lifestyle, can also be considerable contributors. Researchers continue to explore the complex interplay of these factors, but it is believed that having a sibling or parent with Alzheimer’s disease slightly raises your risk.
Lifestyle and Environmental Issues
While you can’t change your genetics, you can influence your environment and lifestyle. The same healthy practices that are best for your heart are also beneficial for your brain. Participating in regular physical exercise, eating a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and avoiding smoking can all decrease your risk.
Also, staying mentally and socially active is very important. Activities that challenge your brain, including reading, learning new skills, and doing puzzles, will help build cognitive reserve. Social interactions and maintaining strong relationships help with brain health, so keeping your mind engaged and active can possibly delay the start of dementia symptoms.
Monitoring and Preventive Measures
Being proactive regarding your health can provide peace of mind. Routine check-ups with your doctor can help keep track of your cognitive health. If you have questions concerning your memory or any other cognitive functions, going over these with your health care provider can lead to early detection and intervention.
You may want to consider genetic testing to ascertain your risk. Although this offers some information, it is important to treat it with caution. Knowing your genetic predisposition can be a double-edged sword, because it can cause unnecessary anxiety. It’s important to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages with a genetic counselor or your health care provider before proceeding.
Resources and Support
If Mom has Alzheimer’s, remember that you’re not alone. Educational programs, support groups, and counseling can provide valuable information and emotional support. Caring for your own mental and emotional health is equally as important as caring for your loved one.
CareWorks Health Services is here to assist as well with a library of resources to educate you and your family about Alzheimer’s as well as other types of dementia. We also offer specialized dementia care services by highly trained, experienced, and skilled caregivers. Get in touch with us at (949) 859-4700 any time for more information on how we can help both you and your loved one with dementia in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, and throughout Orange County.