Alzheimer's is usually not hereditary, so when there is one or more cases of the disease in the family, it does not mean that the other members are at risk of developing the disease.
However, there are some genes that can be inherited from parents and that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However, these genes do not cause the disease, and need to be associated with other factors, such as old age, lack of mental exercise, diabetes or head trauma, to lead to the onset of Alzheimer's.
In addition, there is a type of Alzheimer's, known as Family Alzheimer's Disease or Early Alzheimer's, which can pass from parents to children, causing symptoms between the ages of 30 and 40. However, this type of the disease is rare and, generally, family members already know that they can develop Alzheimer's. Learn more about early Alzheimer's.
If you suspect Alzheimer's, take the following test:
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Rapid Alzheimer's test. Take the test or find out what your risk of having this disease is.
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Is your memory good?
- I have a good memory, although there are small forgetfulnesses that do not interfere with my daily life.
- Sometimes I forget things like the question they asked me, I forget commitments and where I left the keys.
- I usually forget what I went to do in the kitchen, in the living room, or in the bedroom and also what I was doing.
- I can't remember simple and recent information like the name of someone I just met, even if I try hard.
- It is impossible to remember where I am and who are the people around me.
Do you know what day it is?
- I am usually able to recognize people, places and know what day it is.
- I don't remember very well what day it is today and I have a slight difficulty saving dates.
- I am not sure what month it is, but I am able to recognize familiar places, but I am a little confused in new places and I can get lost.
- I don't remember exactly who my family members are, where I live and I don't remember anything from my past.
- All I know is my name, but sometimes I remember the names of my children, grandchildren or other relatives
Are you still able to make decisions?
- I am fully capable of solving everyday problems and deal well with personal and financial issues.
- I have some difficulty understanding some abstract concepts like why a person can be sad, for example.
- I'm feeling a little insecure and I'm afraid to make decisions and that's why I prefer others to decide for me.
- I don't feel able to solve any problem and the only decision I make is what I want to eat.
- I am not able to make any decisions and I am totally dependent on the help of others.
Do you still have an active life outside the home?
- Yes, I can work normally, I shop, I am involved with the community, the church and other social groups.
- Yes, but I am starting to have some difficulty driving but I still feel safe and I know how to handle emergency or unplanned situations.
- Yes, but I am unable to be alone in important situations and I need someone to accompany me on social commitments to be able to appear as a "normal" person to others.
- No, I don't leave the house alone because I don't have the capacity and I always need help.
- No, I am unable to leave the house alone and I am too sick to do so.
How are your skills at home?
- Great. I still have chores around the house, I have hobbies and personal interests.
- I no longer feel like doing anything at home, but if they insist, I can try to do something.
- I completely abandoned my activities, as well as more complex hobbies and interests.
- All I know is to shower alone, get dressed and watch TV, and I am not able to do any other chores around the house.
- I am not able to do anything on my own and I need help with everything.
How is your personal hygiene?
- I am fully capable of taking care of myself, dressing, washing, showering and using the bathroom.
- I am starting to have some difficulty taking care of my own personal hygiene.
- I need others to remind me that I have to go to the bathroom, but I can handle my needs on my own.
- I need help getting dressed and cleaning myself and sometimes I pee on my clothes.
- I can't do anything on my own and I need someone else to take care of my personal hygiene.
Is your behavior changing?
- I have normal social behavior and there are no changes in my personality.
- I have small changes in my behavior, personality and emotional control.
- My personality is changing little by little, before I was very friendly and now I am a bit grumpy.
- They say that I have changed a lot and I am no longer the same person and I am already avoided by my old friends, neighbors and distant relatives.
- My behavior changed a lot and I became a difficult and unpleasant person.
Can you communicate well?
- I have no difficulty in speaking or writing.
- I'm starting to have a hard time finding the right words and it takes me longer to complete my reasoning.
- It is increasingly difficult to find the right words and I have been having difficulty naming objects and I notice that I have less vocabulary.
- It is very difficult to communicate, I have difficulty with words, to understand what they say to me and I do not know how to read or write.
- I just can't communicate, I say almost nothing, I don't write and I don't really understand what they say to me.
How's your mood?
- Normal, I don't notice any change in my mood, interest or motivation.
- Sometimes I get sad, nervous, anxious or depressed, but without major worries in life.
- I get sad, nervous or anxious every day and this has become more and more frequent.
- Every day I feel sad, nervous, anxious or depressed and I have no interest or motivation to carry out any task.
- Sadness, depression, anxiety and nervousness are my daily companions and I totally lost my interest in things and I am no longer motivated for anything.
Can you concentrate and pay attention?
- I have perfect attention, good concentration and great interaction with everything around me.
- I'm starting to have a hard time paying attention to something and I get drowsy during the day.
- I have some difficulty in attention and little concentration, so I can keep staring at a point or with my eyes closed for some time, even without sleeping.
- I spend a good part of the day sleeping, I don't pay attention to anything and when I talk, I say things that are illogical or that have nothing to do with the topic of conversation.
- I can't pay attention to anything and I am completely unfocused.
How to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's
To prevent the onset of Alzheimer's it is important to keep the brain active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Thus, it is recommended:
- Do exercises that stimulate the brain, such as learning another language, doing crosswords, playing chess or reading, for example;
- Have a healthy diet, avoiding fried or high-fat foods, giving preference to white meat, fish with omega 3, fruits and vegetables;
- Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar level under control, avoiding eating too salty or sweet foods;
- Do physical exercise 30 minutes a day 3 to 4 times a week, such as walking, running, dancing or swimming;
- Sleep at least 8 hours a night and avoid excess stress during the day;
- Hang out with friends or participate in cultural groups at least twice a week.
These tips are especially important for individuals who have a family history of Alzheimer's or who have the genes that increase the risk of developing the disease.
Find out more about this disease at:
- Alzheimer's symptoms
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