The genetic variation ApoE4 has been connected to Alzheimer’s and can be found in both men and women. However, recent research has shown that men who have this variation present are at a much higher risk of brain bleeding than the rest of the population. These hemorrhages are tiny, but they contribute to memory loss. In men with Alzheimer’s, this can speed up the process at which memory loss and mental degeneration occur. In women, the ill effects were not nearly as severe.
The study was conducted at the USC Davis School of Gerontology. The whole point of the study, as one researcher described it, was to help pinpoint some of the differences between how men and women are impacted by Alzheimer’s. As you might know, women have a longer life expectancy than men, and this is true even of those that suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The results of this research might provide a tiny clue as to why this is. Hopefully it will help researchers move closer to being able to help those that are affected by the disease in the future.
Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s is tough, and there’s no cure for the disease yet, just ways to help slow down the progression of the disease. Care for someone with this disease is expensive, and that’s only a small portion of the stress that it puts on families. As researchers and doctors work their way closer to better treatments, we need to do our part to keep our family members safe and well cared for. In-home care is a good place to start, as are assisted living facilities. Nursing homes exist for a reason, but they should be used far more sparingly than they currently are. However, if this is the right choice for your elderly loved one, it’s a move that you should make on their behalf. If you have questions, consult your family member’s physician or another senior care specialist.
It is important to note that ApoE4 does not have a direct correlation to Alzheimer’s disease. Just because the variation is present does not guarantee that that person will develop the degenerative brain disease. It’s also important to mention that although women who do have the genetic variation are not as likely to suffer from brain bleeds, they do tend to have more severe memory loss than men do. And, if a woman does have the variation present, they are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as a man with the variation. Testing for the variation is not easy, though, and it’s quite likely that you will never know whether or not an elderly member of your family has this present. But, knowing the medical process behind what impacts Alzheimer’s symptoms is important to researchers as they search for a cure. In the meantime, being prepared for emergencies when it comes to senior care is a good idea. If you’re loved one is a senior citizen, even if they are in good health, getting a plan for their care in place is the best way to handle the unexpected.
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