Punnett's Square: Everything Is Our Parents Fualt

When we were kids, we often blamed our parents for every mistake we made. However, when it comes to genetics and science, certain traits and conditions are actually inherited from them. Alzheimer's is a serious condition linked to genetics that affects many older adults. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is a progressive disorder that leads to memory loss, changes in thinking patterns, and behavioral shifts. Often categorized as a form of dementia, it predominantly impacts individuals over the age of 65.

But why might we now start holding our parents accountable for increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's? The answer lies in genetics. Alzheimer's can be passed down through inherited genetic factors, specifically through a gene variant called APOE4. When individuals inherit two copies of this gene variant, their risk of developing Alzheimer's is significantly higher. According to The New York Times:

"People with two copies, known as APOE4 homozygotes, make up 2 to 3 percent of the general population, but are an estimated 15 to 20 percent of people with Alzheimer’s dementia, experts said. People with one copy make up about 15 to 25 percent of the general population, and about 50 percent of Alzheimer’s dementia patients."

Genetics plays a huge role in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, but many may never know if they carry the gene variants, as symptoms often don't appear until later. While DNA testing is expensive and unnecessary for many. Could knowing you inherited this risk of Alzheimer's change how you would have lived your life when you were younger?