Alzheimer’s is one of the most common diseases in older people, mainly above the age of 70. Dementia, like Alzheimer’s, is still under research at top institutes and facilities, and researchers are trying to decode the relationship between epigenetics and lifestyle related to this disease.
People over 65 have a high risk of dementia like this, and the risk doubles every five years after that age. Anyways, if you are keen to learn about Alzheimer’s and the contribution of epigenetics in its occurrence, then keep reading.
How Is Epigenetics Related To Alzheimer’s?
Epigenetic degeneration is the most probable reason for Alzheimer’s, according to scientists. Due to less knowledge about the cognitive neurology of the human brain, there isn’t much information about the exact causes of Alzheimer’s. According to research and their results, epigenetic profile age causes a change in genetic behaviour but doesn’t alter the DNA itself.
Influence On DNA Methylation And Histone Modification
The two most important processes of the brain’s epigenetics are DNA methylation and histone modification, which favours cognitive function and helps build neural pathways. When something causes epigenetic degeneration, the function of DNA methylation and histone modification gets interrupted or even stops, eventually causing Alzheimer’s. Both these processes are essential for proper cognitive function and memory management of the human brain.
Surroundings Influence
When it comes to influences caused by surrounding particles like viruses, aluminium, zinc, or poisonous food, these can affect the epigenetics of your brain, causing Alzheimer’s. There are no exact factors of any of these particles causing Alzheimer’s. Still, it is seen in research done on thousands of people stating that these particles in excess amounts can cause dementia in people.
1. Hypertension
Hypertension in middle-aged people is common all over the globe and can cause brain-related issues, and dementia is one of those issues. The continuous influence of hypertension in humans causes brain cell degeneration and lower cognitive abilities.
2. Smoking
Smoking is known to harm physical health by destroying healthy cells of the lungs and other parts of the body. But, it can also affect neural pathways, causing mental issues related to mental and cognitive functions. If you smoke regularly, then It would be better if you quit smoking at an early age.
3. Obesity
Obesity is a common problem for millions of people around the world. Almost 22% of women and 21% of men are obese in India alone. Anyways, according to studies, obesity can cause an accumulation of abnormal proteins in your brain and damage your blood vessels. This can lead to brain cell degeneration, eventually causing dementia like Alzheimer’s disease.
Risk And Progressions
The most probable risk factors for Alzheimer’s are age, genetic heredity, and family history. When a person has a family history of Alzheimer’s in their blood relations, there is a chance that the person can acquire this disease in their later years of life.
Alzheimer’s has a slow progression rate and increases as the affected person ages. If a person has Alzheimer’s, then there is a high chance that their memory and cognitive function will be affected gradually.
- Age: age is not the reason for a person to acquire Alzheimer’s, but it can increase your chances of acquiring it.
- Blood relation history: if you have a family history of epigenetic degeneration or Alzheimer’s, then there is a high chance you will acquire this disease in your older age.
- Genetics or heredity: genetics plays a key role in acquiring Alzheimer’s disease, so there is nothing that you can do about your genetics at the present time.
Does Everyone Get Dementia In Old Age?
No, all people do not get dementia like Alzheimer’s in their old age, but there is a high chance that if a person has a family history or poor mental health, they can acquire dementia in the later years of their life.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s is a disease that can’t be cured completely in people who have its higher stages. But it can be prevented by following a healthy diet and lifestyle in your early years. Having less stress and better mental also reduces the chance of you acquiring this type of disease, so try to be positive and happy even in your lowest.
