If I had the opportunity to know if I inherited a predisposed gene linking myself to Alzheimer’s or cancer in general would I want to know? Hmm. That’s a good question I think would. According to the U.S National Library of Medicine genetic predisposition is known as “an increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on a person’s genetic makeup.’’ I would want to know if had a predisposed gene within my family, so I could look out for my future, institute healthy habits to reduce chances, and discuss with physicians the best game plane.
Common questions people ask is are there is a test available and can I get tested? There is genetic testing available to determine or whether or not a person might have the gene. Genome sequencing is the most common test. This test processes “a sample of DNA taken from your blood’’ (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Everyone’s genetic makeup is unique. This test helps “identify genetic variants that may relate to your health’’ (Mayo Clinic, 2020). However, there is a tradeoff to this testing, it only looks at the “protein-encoding parts of the DNA called the exome’’ (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Which leads to me as well as others to consider is genetic testing reliable?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “a genetic test is valid if it provides an accurate result.’’ Well, some might ask what is this accuracy based on? There are two main spectrums of measurement used in genetic testing being “analytical validity’’ and “clinical validity” (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020). Analytical validity focuses on “whether a specific genetic variant is present or absent’’ (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020). Clinical validity indicates “how well the genetic variant being analyzed is related to the presence, absence, or risk of a specific disease’’ (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020). There is an additional measure of quality included in these tests. This would be a clinical utility. This aspect “provide[s] information about [a] diagnosis, treatment management, or prevention of disease that will be help to the consumer’’ (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020). Each of these accuracy tools illustrates how professionals in the industry want nothing but the best for you and your results. They want people to believe and trust in them and their technology. Genetic testing is not the only avenue I can take to benefit my health, so is adapting my everyday behavior and choices.
Not many, myself included, take a step back and think about the decisions we make daily. As a society, we are too consumed with technology to realize the impact of our behavior on our health. It is important to institute good behaviors in life to be successful and healthy. This means going to regular cancer screening you have scheduled. These can catch cancers early. Also, be open to talking to your doctors about these cancers and whether they run the family. They can take the precautions for you to get tested/checked.
Make sure you maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can cause many cancers to occur. Exercising and instilling a proper diet will reduce those chances. Exercise and diet are important to all different avenues of your life. If you are eating well you are going to perform well and feel good. These are just some simple behaviors people, myself included, can focus on to reduce our cancer probability. However, not all of these aspects prevent you from getting cancer. Sometimes life happens and bombshells are dropped. It is important to take the next step and be open with your doctor about a good game plan.
When individuals first hear those keywords of “you have cancer’’ they are in disbelief and shock. They don’t know what to think or feel. There is then a transition period of thinking what do I do to get rid of this or is that possible? It’s important to talk to your doctors and family members at this point they are more than willing to help. Doctors often reveal different tests and therapies used to kill these specific types of cancer cells. This includes various forms of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgeries, targeted drug therapies, etc. It all depends on what the cancer diagnosis is and what treatment option best fits the individual.
If an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s this is a completely different battle. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects a person’s mental function and behavior. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. The only option is to take medicine in hopes of slowing down the depletion of your symptoms. These medications are called “cholinesterase inhibitors’’ and “are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease’’ (National Institute on Aging, 2018). Researchers are still unsure how this medicine works in combination with the brain to slow down the effects. However, the research shows “they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine’’ which is in charge of a person’s memory and thoughts (National Institute on Aging, 2018). As Alzheimer’s shows signs of progress throughout the rest of the body much less of the chemical acetylcholine is produced therefore making the medicine insufficient. There is a completely different treatment for those in the moderate to severe stages of the disease.
The “medication known as Namenda’’ is prescribed to treat the disease at severe stages (National Institute of Aging, 2018). This medicine prolongs a person’s ability to have access to their bodily functions without medical intervention. Namenda works on “regulating glutamate’’ a vital chemical in the brain (National Institute of Aging, 2018). If there becomes an excessive buildup of glutamate death can occur amongst brain cells. Treatment is possible for those who get Alzheimer’s depending on what stage they are in it is just not possible to cure the disease. Who knows if it will be in the future just as of right now it is not possible.
Overall, knowing what testing options are available and their reliability makes knowing the possibility of carrying a cancer trait easier. Even if, it was Alzheimer’s having access to the medicine used to reduce a person’s symptoms is helpful. Also, knowing I can adapt and change my current behavior to benefit my health is crucial. Finally, being able to communicate and be open with my doctors about treatment plans and how am I feeling is very impactful and beneficial to my health.