Blog Layout

Alzheimer’s Factors to Be Aware Of

editor • Oct 16, 2019

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s affects a growing number of people. There are several factors known to play a role in Alzheimer’s. Let’s look at these factors both positive and negative.

Age

Age is one of the biggest factors to consider when discussing Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms generally begin for most after the age of 65. However, the proteins that damage the brain can begin taking a toll on the patient well before symptoms appear. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that after the age of 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years. Alzheimer’s disease is associated with old age, but early-onset Alzheimer’s disease occurs in some people, although it is less common.

Genetics

Another factor associated with Alzheimer’s disease is genetics. Although family history is not necessary for a person to develop Alzheimer’s, a person with a parent or a sibling with Alzheimer’s disease is at greater risk of developing the disease. If more than one first-degree relative (meaning a person’s parent, sibling or child) has Alzheimer’s, the person is at even greater risk.

There are specific genes that can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. If a person receives a gene from one parent they are at risk, and genes from both parents increase that risk. Although these genes can determine the risk of developing the disease they do not determine that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In some rare cases, there are deterministic genes that guarantee a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. There are genetic tests that can identify risk genes and deterministic genes for Alzheimer’s. A person can elect to have these tests to determine their risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle can be a great factor in helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have found that aspects of a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy eating, exercise, and sleep are some lifestyle factors that can be preventative medicine for Alzheimer’s. Exercise can help to increase blood and oxygen flow in the brain and eating a heart-healthy diet also shows great benefit. In addition, strong social connections have been shown to be a preventative factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Remaining mentally active can also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Lifestyle is one factor everyone has control over and can go a long way in slowing or preventing Alzheimer’s.

Other Factors

There are other factors that can determine whether or not Alzheimer’s takes hold or not. Socioeconomic factors can determine whether Alzheimer’s takes hold. Recent research suggests that the more higher-level education a person has, the less likely that person is to develop Alzheimer’s. Head trauma earlier in life can put a person at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Race and ethnicity have also been shown to play a role in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. African Americans and Hispanics are at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease according to research. Gender also plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that because women are likely to live longer than men, they are also more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Although we know some of the factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease, there are still many mysteries surrounding it. There is no known cure for the disease and treatments can only slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. With this information, it is important to take control of the risk factors you are able to and be fully aware of early warning signs. Being armed with good information can help to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s from taking hold.

If you have any questions about something you have read or would like additional information, please feel free to contact any one of our six offices by clicking here or by dialing (866) 456-9668.

Dementia Can Put Financial Wellbeing at Risk

By David Faloni • 09 Dec, 2021
Reduced brain function may be indicative of dementia and can result in poor financial decisions. If you are age 50 or older, easy access to your financial assets like stocks and bonds, checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, and other assets can lead to loss of these funds if an unauthorized person gains access… The post Dementia Can Put Financial Wellbeing at Risk appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

How Diet and Exercise Affect Alzheimer’s Disease

By David Faloni • 02 Dec, 2021
Symptoms such as memory issues should never be dismissed.  There are many resources available through a simple internet search, and professional associations that provide education and guidance through a maze of questions you may have regarding how to approach someone you suspect may be experiencing memory loss, or how to ask for help if that… The post How Diet and Exercise Affect Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

Assisted Living Communities of the Future

By David Faloni • 26 Nov, 2021
Assisted living is changing for seniors with new advancements in medicine, technology, and socioeconomics. The rising cost of assisted living means that some families are looking for new alternatives, while those who consider traditional assisted living have new options to consider. Alternatives to assisted living include multigenerational housing and in-home care. As these options become… The post Assisted Living Communities of the Future appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

Considerations for Choosing Co-Agents

By David Faloni • 18 Nov, 2021
I have to decide between my two children, who should be my power of attorney when I need help communicating with doctors and handling my financial matters. Can’t I just name them both? You can, but please don’t. You risk creating conflict or chaos if you name more than one child to serve simultaneously. Instead,… The post Considerations for Choosing Co-Agents appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

The Benefits of Having a Family Caregiving Meeting

By David Faloni • 11 Nov, 2021
When caring for an aging family member, a family caregiving meeting can be a great way to coordinate communications and activities. These meetings are beneficial for helping to keep all family members abreast of decisions that need to be made, changes in diagnosis or prognosis, and help to ensure that all family members feel that… The post The Benefits of Having a Family Caregiving Meeting appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

The Importance of Clear End-of-Life Care Instructions

By David Faloni • 04 Nov, 2021
You would hope your living will is properly prepared and your resuscitation instructions or DNR (do not resuscitate) are in order. While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you stated. The frightening truth is that mistakes about your end-of-life instructions… The post The Importance of Clear End-of-Life Care Instructions appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

The Effects of a Second Marriage on Medicaid

By David Faloni • 28 Oct, 2021
When you embark on a second marriage, you should be aware of how this will affect you and your new spouses’ Medicaid benefits. Current costs for long-term care facilities can run between $70,000 – $150,000 annually. Studies show that 70% of Americans will need that kind of care, perhaps for three years or longer. If… The post The Effects of a Second Marriage on Medicaid appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

Apply These Five Lifestyle Habits to Lengthen Your Life Span

By editor • 21 Oct, 2021
A healthy lifestyle can increase your longevity significantly. Your lifespan can be increased by as much as 14 years for a woman and 12.2 years for a man according to the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation study. The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but according to the World Health… The post Apply These Five Lifestyle Habits to Lengthen Your Life Span appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

The Potential Outcomes of Disinheriting a Child

By editor • 14 Oct, 2021
In estate planning, it is common that parents divide the inheritance equally among the children. But sometimes, parents intentionally choose to not leave anything to a child, and the reasons for doing so may vary. One reason could be that a child who is more financially successful than the others and the parent doesn’t feel… The post The Potential Outcomes of Disinheriting a Child appeared first on Faloni Law Group.

Short-Term Disability Insurance and Its Many Benefits

By editor • 07 Oct, 2021
Imagine this scenario, an unwed middle-aged lady, Sandy, being the sole caretaker for her 85-year-old mother. Sandy still worked full time and would help her mom in the evenings and weekends. Unfortunately, Sandy was in a serious car accident and would be out of work for at least 8 weeks. She now faced the challenge… The post Short-Term Disability Insurance and Its Many Benefits appeared first on Faloni Law Group.
More Posts
Share by: