How greatly does this increase my odds of having it? Is there anything I can do? any advice or insight on the subject is appreciated, even if it doesnt exactly answer my question.
2007-09-10 04:42:18 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Some studies show a genetic component to Alzheimers and some do not.
My mother died from Alzheimers when she was 66 and now my sister is 56 and has been diagnosed, so you can imagine I have studied up on the disease.
I have been told I can be tested to find out if I want to know, but I am afraid. I am not sure what I would do if I knew I were going to be afflicted with such a terrible fate. It may make me suicidal.
The testing requires blood samples and a lumbar puncture where they stick a needle in your back to draw cerebral spinal fluid. Thats no big deal, but finding out I am going to have the disease is a big deal. So...........
2007-09-10 05:20:56 · answer #1 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alzheimer's disease is a horrible condition. It slowly (at first) affects the person and then can rapidly advance into full blown dementia. I am attaching a link from the National Alzheimer's Foundation that explains all about the disease process. Just read it and click on the links you want more information about. Please be sure and spend as much time as you can with your uncle. The brain is a remarkable thing and if you bring up memories from the past with him it will give him a little joy in remembering them. A lot of Alzheimer's patients can remember things from long long ago, but not what they had for breakfast or something they did 1 minute ago. All the best!
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
2007-09-10 04:52:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet would be to make sure he sees his doctor often. Also try and make sure his affairs are in order such as his Will, etc. Talk to your family to ensure he gets proper care. If it is possible have him move in with someone who can care for him or start looking into a facility. The more you get done now the better because with Alzheimer it is hard to tell how quickly it will go.
This is a horrible thing for any family to go thru and I feel for your situation. Try going a support group for not only your uncle but yourself as well. I wish you the best of luck.
As far as your odds of getting it, I'm not sure how a uncle would effect your chances.
2007-09-10 04:50:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋