Ask the expert
Paul Mazzeo, MD
CAll
MeMory Matters
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's
disease. While the No. 1 cause of developing this progressive
brain disease is advancing age, there are steps you can take to
reduce your risk, says BMH neurologist paul Mazzeo, MD
Q
Is Alzheimer's disease
hereditary?
Yes. But even if both your parents had Alzheimer's, it doesn't mean you
will. Alzheimer's is a genetic disease with
highly variable manifestations. Your family
history also won't help you predict when
you will get it or that it will behave in the
same way it did with your parents.
Regardless of genetics, your odds of
becoming symptomatic increase as you
get older. Between 40 and 50 percent
of all Americans will develop the brain
changes associated with Alzheimer's by
the time they reach 85.
Q
How can I reduce my risk of
developing Alzheimer's?
Diet and exercise are the primary
interventions you can take to ward off
this debilitating disease. A recent study
out of Columbia University demonstrated
Get Help
The Memory Center
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SU M M ER 2015
that you can lower your risk by as much
as two-thirds by eating a Mediterranean
diet and exercising regularly.
We think of our genetic code as fixed.
We don't account for the fact that different genes can be modified by lifestyle
changes. It's never too late to make
adjustments that can help you improve
and maintain your health.
Q
Is there a cure for
Alzheimer's?
No, but there are five FDAapproved medications for the treatment
of Alzheimer's symptoms. Although they
don't slow the progression of the disease, they can help preserve your ability
to perform the activities of daily living.
People taking the medications do better
for longer than people not on the drugs.
And the research continues. Beaufort
Memorial's Memory Center is currently
participating in several clinical trials
studying new medications. One of the
drugs being tested on patients with mild
Alzheimer's or cognitive impairment
targets amyloid plaque in the brain. If it
is proved to be effective, it could truly
slow the progression of the disease. ■
PHOTO BY THINksTOCk
Does someone you love have memory problems? Contact the Beaufort
Memorial Memory Center to schedule an assessment and gain access to a
network of services and organizations that can help. Call 843-707-8833 or
visit beaufortmemorial.org/memorycenter to learn more.
Board-certified neurologist Dr. Paul Mazzeo is the
medical director of Beaufort
Memorial Hospital's Memory
Center. He can be reached at
843-522-1422.
http://www.beaufortmemorial.org/memorycenter
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Living Well - Summer 2015 - Beaufort