for what it's worth # 5

There are 6 Risk Factors to Alzheimer's:

How old is your mom, your granny? Are you paying attention? Are you just letting little things pass?

DON'T!

1. Age – Alzheimer's disease usually develops after age 65. Less than 5% of people age 65-74 have Alzheimer's, but the chance of developing the disease doubles every 5 years after age 65. Almost 50% of the population over 85 has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

2. Family History – Chances of developing Alzheimer's are up to 7 times greater if one has a first degree relative (parent, sibling) with the disease. This number is even higher if multiple family members have the disease.

3. Genetics – A special gene called APOE-e4 gene has been identified as a risk gene for Alzheimer's. A risk gene only increases the likelihood of developing a disease, but fortunately doesn't guarantee that one will develop it.

4. Gender – Women have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's than men.

5. Education – The more a person uses their brain and keeps up with adult education the less riskthere is of developing Alzheimer's.

6. Head Injuries – Serious traumatic head injuries, such as concussions, have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's.



Dr. Dharma