Alzheimer's and Heredity - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

Mastodon · 08-09-2005, 08:51 PM

My grandma on my father's side has Alzheimer's and my grandpa on my mom's side, who recently died, had severe dementia. Are these disorders hereditry or is there something I can do to help prevent them from happening? It was a horrible and painful thing watching my grandpa deteorate, he was such a great man and then he deprecated to a mere child who couldn't even recognize his own wife of 60 yrs.

Shmoo06 · 08-09-2005, 10:44 PM

When I did a reasearch paper on this topic, it told me that the only genetic type of Alzheimer's is early-onset. I'm not sure if that's 100% right or not, so you'll need to wait for someone with more knowledge than myself.

It is a horrible thing that any human shouldn't have to go through.

LuvMyLilDoggie · 08-10-2005, 09:12 AM

My dad has it. My grandpa on my dad's side had it. My grandma on my mom's side had it. My mom's sister has it. Yes, in my opinion, it can be hereditary.

There is no cure for it yet. But they are getting closer to a cure every day. Hopefully, before I get to be the age they were when they got it, there will be a cure and I won't have to worry about my son having to make the choice of whether he'll care for me at home or put me in a nh. And his child won't have to make that decision for him.

From what I've read, there are some things you can do for yourself to help keep the disease at bay. Eat healthy, exercise and keep your mind busy. The more active the brain is, the better chance it has.

I so look forward to the day I get on the 'net and the news on my homepage says "Scientists Discover a Cure for Alzheimers."

Love, Barb

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 08-10-2005, 09:30 AM

Hi All,

All I can say is "Amen" (sorry if you are not religious) to what Barb said at the end of her post.

Yall take care. Wannabe

Martha H · 08-10-2005, 09:42 AM

Add my amen to that!