Is Alzheimer a genetic disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. It is the most common type of dementia.

The most striking early symptom is loss of short term memory (amnesia), which usually manifests as minor forgetfulness that becomes steadily more pronounced with illness progression, with relative preservation of older memories. As the disorder progresses, cognitive (intellectual) impairment extends to the domains of language (aphasia), skilled movements (apraxia), recognition (agnosia), and those functions (such as decision-making and planning) closely related to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain as they become disconnected from the limbic system, reflecting extension of the underlying pathological process. These changes make up the essential human qualities, and thus AD is sometimes described as a disease where the victims suffer the loss of qualities that define human existence.

This pathological process consists principally of neuronal loss or atrophy, principally in the temporoparietal cortex, but also in the frontal cortex, together with an inflammatory response to the deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

The ultimate cause of the disease is unknown. Genetic factors are known to be important, and dominant mutations in three different genes have been identified that account for a much smaller number of cases of familial, early-onset AD. For the more common form of late onset AD (LOAD), only one susceptibility gene has so far been identified called ApoE4.

I think it is a genetic disease, particularly because i think if your parents get the disease, then you are more likely to contract the disease.

Alzheimer's is expected to cost our healthcare system almost $1 trillion dollars in the future as more people develop the disease. A treatment is needed. Here is a link about the disease:

http://www.top10traders.com/ViewUserPosts.aspx?use...

Here is a list of companies that are working to find a cure or treatment for the disease:

http://www.top10traders.com/ViewPortfolio.aspx?use...

Learn if Alzheimer's is hereditary and the link between it and genetic mutations, age, gender, past head trauma, sleep disorders, and heart ... Read about absolute treatment method for alzheimer and memory disorder on this website memorydisorder.genuineremedy.info

There is a genetic component. Early onset Alzheimer's is definitely genetic. My dad has early onset Alzheimer's so you know I've looked into this!

BTW, the person who said it's not genetic but it runs in families? That's what "genetic" means.

No it is not genetic but it can tend to run in families. They are not 100% sure of the cause yet.

yes it is genetic, but that does not mean that if you have the gene you will get it. it simply means that it is in your genes and that you have the ability to pass the gene on

http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers

latest info on the disease at this site

Gee...I don't remember if it is

my great grandma did have it

Yes, it can be.