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Alzheimer's

Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?

Kim Trevey on Jun 22, 2023
How fast does Alzehimer's progress - Bader House Georgetown and Plano
Table of Contents
  1. Is Alzheimer's Disease Hereditary?
  2. What are genes?
  3. Risk genes for Alzheimer's disease
  4. Deterministic genes for Alzheimer's disease
  5. Genetic testing
  6. Medication and the future of Alzheimer's research

Is Alzheimer’s Disease Hereditary?

Anyone who has a mother, father or another direct relative who has lived with Alzheimer’s has wondered if they will get it too. Perhaps you’ve had several relatives diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Perhaps only one side of your family has a history of Alzheimer’s.

How will all of this affect you?

Is Alzheimer’s hereditary?

The short answer is yes and no.

Certain genetic variants can put you at higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Other genetic mutations make someone likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s (Alzheimer’s that appears anywhere from age 30 to 60).

But just because you have a genetic variant that increases your risk for Alzheimer’s does not mean you will get Alzheimer’s. Other factors like your environment and lifestyle also play a role in determining whether or not someone will develop Alzheimer’s. For the sake of this article, we will focus on the genetic factors at play.

Bader House Thank you Card from Maury, daughter of patient P. Lawson

What are genes?

First, it’s helpful to understand what genes actually are, and why they can determine or have an impact on whether or not someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

The human body is made up of cells. Each cell contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA tells your cells what to do in order to function properly. Your DNA is found in something called chromosomes. Each chromosome contains thousands of genes. You get these genes from your parents. Genes determine what you will look like, and they can determine your health, what diseases you are presupposed to and which ones you are not.

Sometimes these genes can change. These changes are known as mutations or variants. Mutations can cause certain diseases and are often referred to as deterministic genes. Variants can increase or decrease someone’s risk for a certain disease, but variants do not cause disease. These are often referred to as risk genes.

Certain genetic mutations and genetic variants have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Is Alzheimer's Disease Hereditary - Bader House Memory Care - Georgetown, Plano

Risk genes for Alzheimer’s disease

A gene variant known as APOE-e4 is the most common variant connected to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. About 25% of the population carries a copy of APOE-e4, which is a variant of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene found on chromosome 19.

This risk gene has been linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s as well as late-onset Alzheimer’s, which is the most common type of Alzheimer’s.

Having the APOE-e4 variant does not mean you will develop Alzheimer’s disease; it just means you are at higher risk than someone who does not carry this variant. Having two copies of APOE-e4 further increases this risk. Only 2-3% of the population carries two copies of APOE-e4.

Other common variants of APOE include APOE-e2 and APOE-e3. APOE-e2 is extremely rare but could help protect against Alzheimer’s. APOE-e3 is the most common variant and has a neutral impact on whether or not someone develops the disease.

Is Alzheimer's Disease Hereditary - Bader House Memory Care - Georgetown, Plano

Deterministic genes for Alzheimer’s disease

Is Alzheimer's Disease Hereditary - Bader House Memory Care - Georgetown, Plano

Three known gene mutations can cause early-onset Alzheimer’s disease: amyloid precursor protein (APP) on chromosome 21, Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) on chromosome 14 and Presenilin 2 (PSEN2) on chromosome 1.

All of these mutations break down APP, a protein that plays an important role in Alzheimer’s. This breakdown can generate harmful forms of amyloid plaques that greatly hinder the function of brain cells.

Someone who inherits one of these mutations from a parent has a strong chance of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s.

People with Down syndrome also have a greater likelihood of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s because their extra copy of chromosome 21 carries the APP gene.

Even though these mutations can almost guarantee a carrier will develop early-onset Alzheimer’s, evidence suggests that if someone carries one of these mutations in addition to a variant that protects against Alzheimer’s, such as the APOE-e3ch, symptoms can be delayed. Knowing this is incredibly helpful for researchers who are developing therapies and treatments for Alzheimer’s.

Genetic testing

Fortunately, with medical advancements, these variants and mutations can be detected through blood tests known as genetic testing. However, genetic testing should be seriously considered first. If you have a direct relative who has lived with early- or late-onset Alzheimer’s, it’s understandable you would want to get tested. But medical professionals highly recommend doing genetic counseling before and after genetic testing to make sure you’re prepared for your results and how to make decisions for your future.

Genetic counselors are not doctors, but they are highly trained in medical genetics and discussing test results with patients. They can talk to you about what your test results mean for your health, your future and your family, and they can help determine if anyone else in your family should receive genetic testing. You can find a genetic counselor near you here.

Because genetic counseling is recommended before doing genetic testing, at-home genetic testing with testing kits like 23andMe are not recommended for testing for Alzheimer’s variants and mutations.

Is Alzheimer's Disease Hereditary - Bader House Memory Care - Georgetown, Plano

Medication and the future of Alzheimer’s research

Because of genetic testing, Alzheimer’s research has been able to make progress in treatments, medication and therapies. The drug aducanumab (Aduhelm™) is the first FDA-approved therapy that reduces beta amyloids—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. This therapy is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, but it does provide hope that as researchers continue to understand the genetic effects on Alzheimer’s disease, treatment and medication will continue to develop as well.

(If you are a carrier of APOE-e4, taking aducanumab could result in serious side effects. This is an instance when genetic testing is incredibly helpful for those who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.)

If you are considering getting tested for an Alzheimer’s variant or mutation, talk to your doctor. He or she will probably refer you to someone who can determine if you’re a good candidate for genetic testing and someone who could help you find a genetic counselor.

Just because you’re a carrier of a genetic variant or mutation does not mean you will get Alzheimer’s. Other factors are at play. Talk to your doctor or a genetic counselor to make sure you understand the full picture of Alzheimer’s and the impact of your specific genes.

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Covid Information

Continuing an Environment of Caring in Times of COVID-19


Safety of Residents and Staff

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, our communities are focused on keeping our Residents and staff safe while also maintaining Resident engagement and daily fulfillment. We are taking a cautious approach, balancing the highest level of safety within the least restrictive environment.

We will continue to follow and augment State and C.D.C. safety recommendations:

Screening: We screen every employee every day. We require our staff to complete a questionnaire (inquiring about possible symptoms, recent travel and exposure), have their temperature and oxygen level checked before entering the building. Staff are also required to clean their cell phones, keys and wash their hands while being observed. We monitor our Residents’ health closely with temperature and oxygen level checks at least twice a day. We help our Residents wash their hands throughout the day and encourage them to wear a mask or face covering.

Cleaning: We have enhanced our cleaning products with regard for their effectiveness in killing COVID-19 particles and proper sanitization and disinfection, using the EPA’s specific list of disinfectants for use against the coronavirus. We are using this list and training staff on how long cleaning solutions must be kept on a surface before wiping it off to ensure its effectiveness. We prioritize cleaning high-touch areas and horizontal surfaces, cleaning them several times a day.

Physical Distancing: We encourage 6 foot distancing between Residents and with staff unless they are providing direct care to a Resident.

Testing: We test all Residents and staff for COVID-19 every three weeks, and more as needed. Our nurses utilize a PCR test, which we send to a private lab to expedite results.

Physical Changes: We have installed ultraviolet lights in our air conditioners that supply air to the common areas of the houses. This method is believed to be helpful in killing bacteria that is cycled through the systems and pushed back into the house. We’ve also enhanced our HVAC filters to near HEPA levels, trying to add additional layers of protection to keep COVID-19 out of the building. Most importantly, air purifiers have been added to common areas and each resident room.

PPE: Staff members wear masks at all times and we encourage Residents to wear masks when outside their rooms. We also encourage physical distancing between our Residents. Staff wears additional protective equipment when deemed necessary while caring for our Residents. Staff are continually trained on when and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Individual Needs Stay Paramount

The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 affects us all. At our communities, we are not letting it stop us from safely offering a life well-lived. Above all, we are providing the utmost attention to the safety and well-being of our Residents. Our Program has always revolved around the individualized needs of each Resident and this has not changed during COVID-19. Residents are still able to connect with each other and staff while maintaining a safe physical distance. Weather permitting, we enjoy the patio and large backyard. We continue to keep our Residents engaged through cognitive, physical, recreational experiences. We offer enjoyment and connection throughout the day even during these unprecedented times.

Visitors

Since early March we have restricted facility access to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Essential Visitors: Healthcare providers including physicians, home health, private duty services, physical therapy and hospice staff have not been allowed in the communities unless there is an acute, essential need for our Residents. These services continue as needed through FaceTime, tele-med and phone conversations. If physical access is absolutely necessary, the individual will complete our questionnaire and screening for temperature and oxygen stats. No one is allowed in the community if they fail to meet our screening criteria.

Families: We are happy to help schedule window visits, FaceTime, Zoom and phone calls with your loved ones based on what is allowed and prudent. To ensure the proper support from our staff, our visits are scheduled ahead of time.

Tours and Move-Ins

Tours: We recognize that regardless of the changes with COVID-19, your need for senior living hasn’t changed. For the safety of you, our Residents and staff, we are currently offering virtual tours where you can see our community, as well as meet our staff. Please contact our Community Relations Director to set up a virtual tour.

Move-Ins: We are accepting a limited number of move-ins (unless otherwise instructed by public health department). New Residents must be tested for COVID-19 prior to move-in. Upon admission, we will place a new resident in their room to quarantine as an additional precaution.

We will share community-specific information with residents and families as our quarantine measures continue to evolve with new information of COVID-19.

We are honored to care for your family member and loved one.

 

Comments we’ve received from our families during COVID-19.

“We appreciate all of your efforts. Your team clearly is a leader in the response to COVID. Thank you for keeping our loved ones safe.”

Joseph

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for ALL you have done and are doing to keep the residents and staff in a safe environment! The continuous learning and improvements empower caregivers and families to do better at home and in our communities.”

Tommy

“I appreciate you taking the time to update us and share them with my family living in AL, GA, VA, MD, FL…we are extremely grateful and comforted by your proactive and decisive measures! We’ll continue to keep you in prayer for health, safety and more.”

Rebecca

“In keeping with the parade theme you had, the employees there are super heroes. They are plowing forward in the midst of this horrible virus and taking care of their patients selflessly. I just wanted to acknowledge their bravery and dedication and thank them from the bottom of my heart for the goodness in their hearts and their dedication to their patients and jobs.”

Abigail

“Thank you! You locked down early & your diligence has paid well.

The Bader support group continues meeting once a month by Zoom. We all appreciate you so much. Everyone comments on how grateful we are that our parents are at Bader House!

We appreciate everything: sending us pictures, calls, alerts to bring supplies/clothes as needed, staying in virtual contact with hospice.
Blessings to each of you.”

Marsha

“Thank you for all y’all and all the staff are doing for my mom and the other residents. We truly appreciate your hard work.”

Carol

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