Powerful Defense Strategies for Children Genetically Predisposed to Cognitive Diseases

Are we at the mercy of our genes or can our lifestyle choices offset disease? Do our inherited genes predispose us to certain diseases, like Alzheimer’s? 

Neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter examines current research studies related to important genetic risk factors for children with the so-called Alzheimer’s gene, APOE4. 

One risk factor is the E4 alleles of APOE, which indicates an increased risk of cognitive decline, especially of contracting diseases like Alzheimer’s. We each carry two APOE genes and they can be numbered 2, 3, or 4. If one or both APOE alleles is E4 this indicates an increased risk of cognitive decline. But carrying the APOE4 allele does not mean that developing Alzheimer’s is inevitable. Lifestyle choices can enhance or decrease the likelihood of getting cognitive disease.

Dr. Chandra A. Reynolds and her team at the University of California examined 1,321 children ages 7, 12, and 16. They searched for the presence of APOE4 and found 14.5% of the children were carriers. These children scored lower in verbal and cognitive skills compared to the children without these genetic markers. 

A powerful antidote to unfavorable genes in children may be brain-defensive strategies such as restriction from contact sports, control of blood sugar, targeting elevated levels of homocysteine with B vitamins, supplementing the diet with omega-3 DHA, and creating an environment conducive to higher education.

Our genetic predisposition can open the door to empowerment in our health destiny despite our genetic predisposition to cognitive diseases.