What is the Alzheimers Gene?


Alzheimers disease has received a lot of attention over the last decade; much of this attention has been directed toward the existence of the Alzheimers Gene. Part of the reason behind this fact is that the cause for the disease has been difficult to pinpoint. In fact, this is because it may not have any one cause at all.

Types of Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers Disease can be broadly categorized into two distinctive groups. These groups include late-onset Alzheimers disease and Familial Alzheimers Disease (FAD). FAD is characterized by a very early-onset and an extremely high number of family members being affected by it. Late-onset Alzheimers disease is by far the most common form.

The Alzheimers Gene

There are four chromosomes that have been shown to have something to do with the development of Alzheimers. These chromosomes are 1, 14, 19, and 21. A healthy person has a total of 46 chromosomes. These are generally 23 pairs of chromosomes; one of each pair is received from each parent.

There are many genes that have been associated with Alzheimers disease in studies, although a gene that can be labeling the Alzheimers gene does not necessarily exist. The gene that seems to be the most common indicator of late-onset Alzheimers disease is the APOE gene, located on the chromosome number 19. Specifically, when this gene shows the variant APOE4, the person with this trait is more likely to develop Alzheimers disease. This gene does not make their development of Alzheimers certain, only more likely. It seems to predispose individuals toward the disease.

In the early-onset Alzheimers disease FAD, many families that are predisposed to this disease have been shown to have an abnormality on chromosome number 21. They also seem to show more abnormalities on chromosomes 1 and 14 than other patients. This factor has lead doctors to believe that no single gene abnormality may be the cause of either type of Alzheimers disease. In fact, genes may only be a part of the overall picture of this disease.

This particular genetic discovery regarding chromosome number 21 was found interesting by many scientists because chromosome number 21 is also the chromosome involved with Down syndrome. Individuals that are diagnosed with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome number 21 and they generally develop Alzheimer-like brain abnormalities as they grow older. The abnormality of chromosome 21 may be the closest thing to an Alzheimers gene that exists.

Overall, evidence suggests that there is no real Alzheimers gene, rather a large set of genes that work in conjunction with other factors that make Alzheimers disease more likely to strike.

Ronald Reagan Alzheimer

Websites that offer in depth information about the disease usually have a Q&A type of atmosphere.

When they try to respond, be patient and do not interrupt, regardless of how lone they seem to be taking, however if they appear to be stuck on a word gently suggesting the word may help, but if they argue do not insist on being right. As the diseases degenerative traits continue to worsen, occupational therapy may provide some aid, but over time, the patients ability to perform simple, daily tasks will degrade to the point that occupational therapy for Alzheimers Disease will no longer be productive. Another factor in this situation is that Alzheimers (especially late-onset Alzheimers) can be difficult to diagnose quickly since it presents symptoms of many other disease-states.

Some of the most common symptoms include forgetfulness, and confusion.
This stage is severe, where the patient needs full time care. What Can be Done? There really is no warning to the cause or symptoms of alzheimers disease, so in order to know that you are aware as possible of the onset of alzheimers disease you need to know what to look for. There are a number of different associations and organizations out there that specialize in Alzheimers disease and which strive to help persons suffering from the disease as much as possible, one of the most well respected and well known being Alzheimers Disease International.

The next step in the progression of Alzheimers disease is stage 2.
Reading e-books and reports that online support groups offer is a big start. It is a disease which typically affects people over the age of sixty, although this is not definite, and your risk is higher of developing it if a family member has had the disease. There are a lot of people who think that the only symptom of Alzheimers is forgetting. Doctors and nurses trained to address the needs of Alzheimers patients make up the staff at Alzheimers nursing homes and are better trained to meet their needs. From there, the disease has been studied and more is known about it every year. For many, simple forgetfulness can occur.