HEALTH UPDATES
42 New Genes Have Been Linked to an Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease, According to 'Landmark' Study: There were 33 already known from previous genetic studies and 42 newly found to be associated with the development of Alzheimer's for a total now of 75 gene variations. Researchers have discovered 42 new genes associated with the development of Alzheimer's, according to study . The findings published in the Journal Nature Genetics and involved research centers in eight partner countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and countries across Europe. This suggests a future where doctors may be able to more accurately predict whether individual patients are genetically predisposed for Alzheimer's disease.
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's, affects about 5.8 million Americans, and the number of cases is expected to nearly triple by 2050.
This discovery of the 42 additional gene variations connected to Alzheimer's development is meaningful because, while lifestyle factors influence development of the disease, between 60% and 80% of Alzheimer's risk is based on our genetics, according to the statement issued by the research team.
Based on the study results, researchers devised a genetic risk score that can be used to "determine how likely patients with cognitive impairment will, within three years of first showing symptoms, go on to develop Alzheimer's disease." The risk score, however, is not meant to be used in clinical practice by physicians just yet. For the moment, researchers hope the score can be used to help improve the evaluation of new drugs in clinical trials. And then further down the road, scientists hope the findings of the study will help identify people in the population who may be at greatest risk of developing Alzheimer's before the disease sets in.
By understanding the role of these genes in Alzheimer's, the study can lay the groundwork for developing gene-specific treatments and personalized medicine in the future. The next step towards finding treatments for Alzheimer's is for researchers to focus on the specific risk genes identified in the study and closely examine their role in the dysfunction and death of brain cells, according to the study.
If You Have This Blood Type, Be Worried About Heart Disease: By and large, there's no magic secret to avoiding heart disease—it's highly preventable through healthy lifestyle choices like a good diet, frequent exercise, and regular check-ups to keep risk factors like blood sugar and blood pressure in check. But there is one factor you might not know about that seems to increase your chances of developing heart problems, and it may warrant being more vigilant about your health. Studies have found that people with certain blood types have a higher risk for heart disease.
Having a non-O blood type (meaning A, B and AB) seems to put you at higher risk for heart disease and heart failure, along with clotting disorders. A large study by the American Heart Association looked at more than 400,000 people and found that people with type A or B blood had an 8% higher risk of heart attack and a 10% higher risk of heart failure than people with type O blood. People with type A or B blood were 51% more likely to develop blood clots in the veins (deep vein thrombosis) and 47% more likely to develop blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), two conditions that can increase the risk of heart failure.
People with blood type AB were 23% more likely to develop heart disease than others. People with type B blood had an 11% increased risk, and those with type A had a 5% increased risk.
"While people cannot change their blood type, our findings may help physicians better understand who is at risk for developing heart disease," said Dr. Lu Qi, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and senior author of that study. "It's good to know your blood type in the same way you should know your cholesterol or blood pressure numbers. If you know you're at higher risk, you can reduce the risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as eating right, exercising, and not smoking."
Experts believe the increased risk may be due to the ABO gene, which is present in people with A, B, or AB blood types. It makes red blood cells of those types stickier and more resistant to blood flow, which can make blood thicker and more prone to clot. That, in turn, may increase the risk of heart disease. In the journal Blood Advances it was found that cancer patients with non-O blood types are at greater risk for venous thromboembolism, or blood clots in the veins. "Blood typing is easy to perform, can be done worldwide, and doesn't require any specialized background knowledge or equipment," said the study's author, Dr. Cornelia Englisch of the Medical University of Vienna. "And of course, every risk factor that we identify helps us to understand these life-threatening complications in cancer patients better," she added. "Perhaps this will create awareness for the role blood types can play as clinical biomarkers."
Eating Fish Can Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A new study shows that eating at least two servings of fish each week is associated with a lower risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and congestive heart failure. The research, published in in JAMA Internal Medicine, also found that fish is associated with lower mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.
Interestingly, the study found that while fish is associated with a lower risk of CVD events for people with existing vascular disease, it does not have the same effect for people without vascular disease.
The strongest association for CVD protection was found specifically in people who choose oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. That’s because these types of fish are highest in omega-3 fat, which has long been studied for its links to heart health.
Eating at least two servings of fish each week (175 g) appears to lower your risk of future cardiovascular events and death if you have pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
What If You Don't Have Vascular Disease? If you're generally healthy, there's no clear protection, although fish is probably a safe choice for you as well. As part of any healthy eating plan, fish fills the protein portion of the plate. With a variety of vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, and vitamin D, fish contain many essential nutrients that are important for maintaining good health.
Even in the absence of vascular disease, it’s still a good idea to have fish on your plate at least twice a week.
How Much Fish to Eat: CVD events were lowest in participants whose fish intake was at least 175 grams per week.
Total mortality was lowest in participants whose fish intake was at least 175 grams per week.
There was no enhanced protection of heart health with fish intake higher than 350 grams a week.
“Eating at least two servings of fish each week (175 g) appears to lower your risk of future cardiovascular events and death if you have pre-existing cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Andrew Mente, an associate professor in the faculty of science at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and one of the researchers on this study.
What Fish Are the Best to Eat: The protection of fish is seen mainly for fish that contain high amounts of omega 3 fats, or so-called oily fish, such as herring, mackerel, sable, salmon, tuna, and sardines. As part of any healthy eating plan, fish fills the protein portion of the plate. With a variety of vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, and Vitamin D, fish contain many essential nutrients that are important for maintaining good health. Even in the absence of vascular disease, it’s still a good idea to have fish on your plate at least twice a week.
Until Next Time Stay Safe and Stay Healthy.
James A Vito, D.M.D.