What are the chances that my boyfriend could get Alzheimer's Disease?

Question

My boyfriend's grandpa died of Alzheimer's (his mom's dad) a few years ago. I get mad at him sometimes because when we have a "conversation," it's usually one-sided. It's not just with me, though...it's with everyone I know. He said he just has a hard time putting his thoughts into words quickly. He can never find the right words to say. I looked up to see if anyone else was like this, and I found that this is actually a sign of Alzheimer's. I know that it's very unlikely that he has it now...but maybe it's a sign that he will have it in the future. I know that AD can be hereditary...what are his chances of getting it if it was not his parent that had it, but his grandparent. As of right now, I'm not aware of anyone else who has had it in his family, but it is possible. Anyway, I'm just curious...I know it's early to worry, but if it's possible to do something about it now, I'd like to. I love him so much and want to do anything I can to keep him healthy. Thanks!

Answer 1

There are a lot of things that go into causes of Alzheimer's Disease. I would recommend that you suggest he goes to a doctor, preferably a specialist or at least one that knows Alzheimer's well.

A couple questions to keep in mind would be what's in his diet (good and bad), what supplements he's taking (if any), and if he's taking a cholesterol blocking drug.
It seems that a lot of doctors may not know (or at least don't acknowledge) that the typical cholesterol drugs stop your body from producing cholesterol altogether. While that might seem like a good idea, you need some cholesterol in your body... and especially in your brain. One of the most common complaints with those drugs is complaints about memory and cognitive problems, some of which are even symptoms of Alzheimer's.

If he's not taking any drugs and/or if the doctor doesn't know what might help, you could always try natural supplements that a LOT of people get benefits for with mental support, clarity, and memory. There's Ginkgo Biloba, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Fish Oil, Huperzine A, Phosphatidylserine, Vinpocetine, Choline/Inositol, Bacopa Moniera (or Monieri), DMAE, and some of the B vitamins (which also help with energy).

Unfortunately, different people respond differently to different supplements, so it's hard to say which of these may be the best for him in particular unless you can see a doctor that knows about supplements.


[edit] In response to the person who said you can't die from Alzheimer's.... that's not true. If it advances far enough, a person can literally forget to breathe. That's what happened to my great aunt when she passed away from Alzheimer's..... but it's literally in the final stages (usually a decade or two after the onset).

Answer 2

First off, Alzheimers is not a disease you can die from like cancer or diabetes or typhoid fever, so grandpa didn't die of Alzheimer's.

Since you're here on Yahoo! looking to see if your boyfriend could have early Alzheimer', you're probably waaayyy too young to even consider it, but since you asked,,, google Alzheimer's and go to any of the sites that have .org in the URL, you're likely to find out about all the signs, symptoms, "cures" and research going on about it.

Your boyfriend's inability to put his thoughts into words quickly is not a bad thing. He sounds like he thinks things through before just spitting out whatever flies into his head... that's a good thing. (Read some of the questions on Yahoo! Answers if you don't believe me!!!)

Answer 3

Only a doctor can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. It does have a hereditary link. My great-grandfather, my grandfather, and my father, (all on the paternal side) have died from complications of Alzheimer's. YES, Alzheimer's can kill!!! My sweet daddy looked like he could get out of the coffin and shoot hoops and take me fishing. But his mind was gone. Alzheimer's is sooooo sad!

Answer 4

that's completely a risk that he ought to strengthen Alzheimer's ailment, each and every individual can. i think of there continues to be analyze being achieved on the genetic inheritence of this ailment, it variety of feels to be in simple terms a sprint a lottery. take a verify out the Alzheimer's Society internet site they have distinctive functional suggestion in this ailment. additionally, i ask your self what help your b/f sister is getting with their dad. The tendency interior the relatives is that one individual has to shield the worrying and all of the the remainder of the relatives bypass away them to it. i'm hoping u and your b/f will help with the care of his father instead of u and he in simple terms stressful approximately yourselves, through fact if he did strengthen it u and he might understand the place to decide for help!

Answer 5

By the time he's old enough to get Alzheimer's they'll have a cure for it...

Answer 6

you only mentioned genetics so the chances are slim.

however other factors: using aluminum cookware?
not using brain cells on daily basis?
eat unhealthy?

Answer 7

There's no known cure...better enjoy him while you can...or dump him for a guy who has a family pedigree of perfect health :)

That was rock solid advice, and it got two thumbs down :(..

Three! :o