Young and at risk - what can I do now?

[Isa2012]

My maternal grandmother had early onset Alzheimer’s. My mother, now in her mid 60’s has begun showing some early signs of the disease. I am now 30 years old, healthy by all accounts, and conscious of the fact that my family history puts me at a higher risk of getting the disease myself. Most information out there is about what people who are developing the symptoms or have Alzheimer’s can do to delay progression, but there’s nothing I can find directed at those, like me, who know they are at risk but are without symptoms, at least for now, and hopefully for a couple of decades more. My question is this – based on what we know about the disease, what can someone like me do now, in my 30’s, to delay what may be inevitable? (I’m not being pessimistic, but knowing my risks early, I’m hoping there are actions I can take now that will benefit me if I do develop the disease)

Thank you ahead of time for your input.

[TheLightSeeker]

I just realized, Barbara, you answered the question very well.
My reply would have been posted ahead of yours, but half way into it
something came up, left it for a while and when I did finally finish & submit,
I seen yours. Otherwise I wouldn't repeat so similar information.
Oh well, no harm intended. All good!
Niko

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Isa.

To answer your question, there are 3 levels of  head trauma involving brain injury.
Mild, is when a concussion takes place without loosing consciousness, or
one loses consciousness for less than 30 minutes. Most symptoms are temporary and usually clear up relatively soon.
Moderate, when a concussion takes place and one loses consciousness
for more than 30 minutes. Symptoms may last longer, they're much more serious and may have long term consequences. Some studies indicate
the risk of developing AD is x 2.3 the general population without TBI.
Severe, when the loss of consciousness after the concussion , lasts over 24 hours with long lasting symptoms  and according to some studies, the
risk of developing AD increases to x 4.5 the gen population without TBI.
Source: Alzheimer's Association ( quoted from memory, so please check it out for yourself, but I believe it's fairly accurate).

Of course, there are far too many unknown variables, so each case has to be thoroughly evaluated and  treated independently.

And you are right, accidents are just  accidents and some will always take place, even if we exercise prevention.

Cheers!
Niko

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

The immediate effects of a head injury can include dementia symptoms, such as confusion, memory loss, and changes in speech, vision and personality. Depending on the severity of your injury, these symptoms may clear up quickly, last a long time or never go away completely. However, such symptoms that begin soon after your injury generally don't get worse over time as happens with Alzheimer's disease.

Certain types of head injuries, however, may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementias later in life. The greatest increase in future dementia risk seems to occur after a severe head injury that knocks you out for more than 24 hours. A moderately serious head injury that causes unconsciousness for more than 30 minutes, but less than 24 hours, also seems to increase risk to a smaller extent.

There's no evidence that a single mild head injury that doesn't knock you out, or that knocks you out for less than 30 minutes, increases your risk of dementia. However, repeated mild injuries may increase risk of future problems with thinking and reasoning.

You're likely at greatest risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's later in life, post-head injury, if you also have other risk factors. For example, carrying one form of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene increases the risk of Alzheimer's in any individual. A head injury in such a person would increase his or her risk further.

It's important to note that many people who sustain a severe head injury never develop Alzheimer's disease or later dementia. More research is needed to understand the link.

[Isa2012]

Thanks for both of your comments. I had heard about making sure to use your mind regularly through learning new things and doing mind excercises - both things I like to do anyway. It seems like most other recommendations are for a healthy life - not just for AD prevention - lowering stress with meditation, good nutrition with a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle with excercise. I (mostly) try to do these things already.

Followup question regarding head trauma - do you know at what level of head injury increases risk? You can wear helmets and seatbelts - but bumping your head just happens sometimes...

I'm skeptical about genetic and cellular control through thoughts and beliefs, but I did listen to a talk recently regarding the idea of turning genes "off" with healthy lifestyle choices and when they genes are passed on to the next generation they stay "off" and reduce the next generation's risk, although AD was not specifically mentioned.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Isa2012.

1. There's little we can all do about our genes, according to accepted medical convention, however, master biologist Bruce Lipton, Author of
"The Biology of Belief"&"The Wisdom of your cells." has explored
uncharted territory.
With groundbreaking research in the area of cellular biology, Dr. Lipton  he's discovered that we all have the power to control are own gene activity and all the cells in their body through our personal thoughts and beliefs.
I have attended his lecture on this in a conference, have studied his work,
read his books and have put it to practice. Impressive to say the least!
You may want to look into this, as a possibility of influencing the 5% genetic risk factor in getting AD.

2. Avoiding head traumas and preventing them, like wearing a helmet when snowboarding or riding a bike, a seat belt when riding in a car, not getting involved in extreme or very physical sports etc., reduces this risk factor substantially.

3. Optimizing oxygenation by proper breathing- go the normal breathing website for this-, increasing circulation by staying physically active and fit,
nurturing your body with highest quality fresh natural foods and drinks,
and taking proper measures to contain inflammation, will ensure better brain health and consequently resulting in lower AD risk.
Consumption of extra virgin coconut oil up to 4T daily, will offer neuro-protection, lowered inflammation if used instead of harmful cooking oils (coconut oil does not alter with heat plus anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic and anti-protozoan properties!) and the greatest
alternative brain fuel when glucose uptake to the brain is impaired.
Coconut oil can cross the blood-brain-barrier.
Visit the coconut research center website for details.

4. As Barbara said, keeping your brain busy helps a lot.
Learn a new language, a new skill, go back to school, travel the world,
read a variety books on different topics, learn to play bridge, chess,
take up a new challenge once in a while, learn to cook Chinese, Indian,
Greek, Hungarian, Thai, Mexican etc. Listen to great masters in Music, Philosophy, Consciousness, Awareness,  The sky is the limit here. lol!

5. Prayer (as Barbara mentioned) and Meditation are to my opinion the
most underrated factors in Wellness and Disease Prevention!
If you can't meditate, get yourself a meditation CD or go to YouTube.
It is one of the best ways to influence your subconscious mind,
connect with the universe and experience "unthinkable" events in your life!
Many times in my life, through Prayer & Meditation I managed to achieve the "impossible".

Should you need more details, please post again or you may pm me any time.
Cheers!
Niko

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

p.s my mom was 72 when she left us 8 months ago so she lived the first 7 years walking and doing ok. the last 11 months she was in the bed.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

I to are in your shoes, my moms mother had it in her 90s and my mom got it at 64, so i feel your pain and its wise to look ahead and try to delay it .

i have talked to many drs and people who know a lot about this, and most i hear is keep busy. keep learning something everyday so that your brain is working and staying active.

red , do crossword puzzles, play games  and thing that keeps you busy.

exerices is very inportant, try to at least walk 10 -15 mins a day.
there is a lot out there research it on net and you will see but most i say Pray because i belive in GOD and prayers.

i am 54 this year and not far from my mothers age when she started having it, its really scarey and my mom lived with me so i walked each step with her and saw it all, my sweet mom got bed ridden for 11 months before she went , and we belive it was a stroke that took her out, but i would not give anything for the time i had with her.

i say live your life everyday and enjoy it, you may never get it, who knows there is 4 of us girls who can get it , but until than i am going to live life to the fullest.

here if you want to talk . GOD BLESS YOU . Barbara