Doctors say that this disease is related to advancing age and that, in fact, the increase in life expectancy would be the explanation for the fact that this condition is becoming more common. However, rarely, in less than 1% of cases, Alzheimer’s disease is hereditary, which is confirmed by a genetic test.
Alzheimer’s disease involves a progressive loss of neurons. In most cases it is an age-related disease: the functions essential for daily life, including memory, are altered, so that the person concerned is faced with a limitation of autonomy.
The mechanisms that lead to Alzheimer’s disease are not fully understood. This disease is increasingly common and is sometimes detected in one, two and even three members of the same family. It is common to think that there is a connection between these cases. But it should be noted that in most cases Alzheimer’s disease is linked to the aging of the population.
Heredity can be a cause in less than 1% of Alzheimer’s disease cases. People with an inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease have one common denominator: the disease is detected before the age of 65, sometimes even before the age of 50. In these cases we speak of early Alzheimer’s.
To have 100% certainty about the hereditary nature of the disease, the affected person must undergo a genetic test.
The test consists of a blood sample and the result is obtained only after about three months. Other people in the family, who have no symptoms, can also take this test to find out if they carry the specific mutation.
There are three genes responsible for the inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease: PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP. They are placed on three different chromosomes. One copy of the gene comes from the mother and another from the father. An anomaly on one of the three genes and on a single copy is sufficient to trigger the disease. It is said to be an autosomal dominant inheritance. Each affected person therefore has a one in two chance of transmitting the disease at each birth.
Can it be prevented?
To prevent Alzheimer’s disease it is necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle: a varied and balanced diet, constant physical activity, no tobacco, no excess of alcohol. Intellectually stimulating and fun activities are also recommended.
Hypertension or diabetes should be avoided. As for medicines, these must be limited to the essential ones, prescribed by the specialist doctor.
