My Biggest Fear

The Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease

I walk into a room and have no idea why I am there.  My husband says I told you that yesterday.  I buy a new book and by page 5 I realize it is one I have already read.  I run into a woman at the store and can’t remember her name.  I can’t think of the word I am looking for and substitute another.

Is this normal or just the beginning?

My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in her early sixties. I am almost as old as she was when we got her diagnosis and some research says that early onset Alzheimer’s Disease may have a genetic component.

Dad was diagnosed when he was 81.  With both of my parents carrying the diagnosis my fear increases.

I spend hours playing Suduko and working out puzzles.  The value of these brain exercises are questionable but I’ll take whatever I can get. I calm myself by remembering that three of my grandparents and a great grandfather lived well into their nineties without any sign of Alzheimer’s.

Recently I heard that there are tests to determine your risk level for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Do I really want to know?

Related articles

• Abnormal Protein May Explain Loss of Smell with Alzheimer’s (nlm.nih.gov)
• More Focus Needed On Early Markers Of Alzheimer’s Disease (medicalnewstoday.com)
• Molecular Sculptor Of Memories Revealed By Johns Hopkins Scientists (medicalnewstoday.com)