Author: Kenneth Nguyen

What is Alzheimer’s disease and how common is it?  Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It’s characterized by progressive memory loss, gradual cognitive decline, and personality changes. There are two different types of Alzheimer’s disease: late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Both have symptoms that are much the same.  Typical signs and symptoms… Continue reading Alzheimer’s Disease & Genetics

Knowing T2D  Diet, weight, lifestyle, and genetics each influence one’s personal chances of developing type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes.   But many of us are unaware of what could increase our chances of developing type 2 diabetes. More than a third of adults in the United States are prediabetic, and the vast… Continue reading Type 2 Diabetes & Your DNA

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss among older adults. The disease results in damage to the central part of the retina, impairing vision needed for reading, driving, or even recognizing faces. Vision loss related to AMD usually becomes noticeable in a person’s 60s or 70s and tends to worsen over time.

Genetics of Parkinson’s disease risk Risk for Parkinson’s disease is influenced by genetics. In fact, the disease is associated with genetic variants (differences) in many genes. Two of the best studied genes associated with Parkinson’s disease are called LRRK2 and GBA. There are other genes and variants that have also been linked to Parkinson’s disease,… Continue reading Parkinson’s Disease

Genetics of Hereditary Thrombophilia Hereditary thrombophilia is genetic. The two most common genetic variants (differences) linked to hereditary thrombophilia are found in two genes, called F5 and F2. These genes are important in the normal clotting process. But the F5 variant (sometimes called factor V Leiden) and the F2 variant increase the risk of developing… Continue reading Hereditary Thrombophilia & Genetics

Is hereditary hemochromatosis genetic? Yes. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic condition. Most cases of hereditary hemochromatosis are due to variants in the HFE gene, although variants in other genes have also been found. Hereditary hemochromatosis affects many people Hereditary hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic diseases in the U.S. It is estimated that… Continue reading Hereditary Hemochromatosis & Genetics

Is TTR-Related Hereditary Amyloidosis Genetic? Yes,TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis is genetic. It is caused by genetic variants (differences) in the TTR gene. However, TTR-related hereditary amyloidosis is not the only cause of amyloidosis. There are other forms of hereditary amyloidosis that are caused by genetic variants in other genes. In addition, some people develop TTR-related amyloidosis… Continue reading TTR-Related Hereditary Amyloidosis

Is G6PD deficiency genetic? G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition involving a gene called G6PD. The G6PD gene contains instructions for making an enzyme that plays a role in protecting red blood cells against damage. Certain genetic variants (differences) in the G6PD gene reduce the levels or activity of the enzyme. This can lead to… Continue reading G6PD Deficiency & Genetics

Is FH genetic? Yes. FH is one of the most common genetic conditions. FH is linked to variants (differences) in multiple genes. Two of these genes are called APOB and LDLR. There are over 1,000 genetic variants known to be associated with FH. FH is serious, and many don’t know they have it. Most people… Continue reading Familial Hypercholesterolemia & Genetics