Recently, a team of researchers were able to identify new genetic risk factors when it came to non-Alzheimer’s disease dementias. By looking at thousands of DNA samples, they were able to identify structural variants that could potentially increase someone’s risk of developing dementia.
Structural variants have long been associated with neurological changes. They’re similar to genetic mutations in this respect, but much more difficult to study. As a result, structural variants have not had the same attention paid to them by researchers as mutations have. This new project aimed to help bridge this gap in knowledge.
What they found was that certain genetic changes make people at a higher risk of dementia than people without these changes present. An immediate answer was not pointed at in this study, but it certainly paves the way for potential new treatment methods for those suffering from Lewy Body dementia. They also found that these changes were very similar in those that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, indicating a deeper link between the two than what was previously known.
This research came from the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The team published their findings in the journal, Cell Genomics. While our understanding of human genetics and its impact on disease and the brain increases, studies like this one go a long way toward helping doctors to better understand what kinds of treatments will be beneficial for different kinds of dementia. There’s still a lot to learn, but hopefully this study will act as a launching point for future researchers.
If you have a loved one that’s suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, this doesn’t offer immediate hope. You’re much more likely to be concerned about meeting the needs of your family member right now. It’s great that there’s more hope for the future, but what can you do NOW to meet the needs of a loved one suffering from dementia?
First, meet with a doctor that specializes in long term memory health. They will be able to give you a better idea of what you are up against as a family, and what steps need to be taken to preserve overall health. They’ll also be able to help you get a better idea of how professional level care might be able to assist you.
Second, look into what resources for memory care exist nearby. Knowing what’s out there can help you to get a start on securing a high quality of care for the people that you love. Once you know what’s out there, you can more efficiently get the help that you need. It’s often just a phone call away.
If you’d like to learn more about how memory care can help, we’re happy to talk with you. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation session. In-home care can do a lot of things that assisted living and nursing homes cannot when it comes to memory care and helping those with dementia. Get in touch to get started.
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