Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease in families

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes memory loss and other cognitive decline due to brain cell degeneration. It’s the most common cause of dementia — a clinical syndrome characterized by a collection of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities, memory, thinking and behavior. Dementia is not a specific disease itself.

It’s estimated that more than 55 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. And that number continues to grow.

In terms of family traits, Alzheimer’s disease has two main types, says Dr. Ronald Petersen.

In this type, each child of a parent with Alzheimer’s has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene which leads to early-onset Alzheimer’s, but that is only 1% of all Alzheimer’s disease.

While the risk is increased, it doesn’t mean you’ll develop the disease. Dr. Petersen says to stay involved in intellectual activities, like reading or playing chess. And being socially active.

Follow a healthy diet, get plenty of rest and find ways to reduce stress.
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