Alzheimer’s Testing
Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Changes to the brain can occur years and even decades before Alzheimer’s disease symptoms begin to show. However, there is a test you can take that can assess your genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s in later life. With knowledge of your personal risk of developing the disease, you can make the lifestyle changes that could have a significant effect in reducing your risks.
Slow Down the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease
It’s estimated that 75% of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease across the globe are undiagnosed [World Alzheimer’s Report 2021]. Most people don’t think about their likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease until possible early symptoms set in, but the damage to the brain begins years or even decades prior. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced and the onset avoided or at least delayed by implementing the right measures:
Find out more about preventing the Risks of Alzheimer’s Disease
It is never too early to take action
Keeping Your Mind Active
In some ways your brain is like a muscle – without exercise its performance can deteriorate. One simple activity, that has the potential to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and doesn’t require big lifestyle changes, is ensuring you challenge your mind. This can be as simple as solving a crossword or a sudoku every day – or if you want to challenge yourself even further learn a new skill or language. It is never too late to start taking actions to lower the risks. Keeping your brain active is thought to build reserves of healthy brain cells and the connections between them, which could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Healthy Body – Healthy Mind
Take control of your health – by exercising you can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 45% [alzheimers.org.uk]. The impact of smoking is also significant, with studies showing that
smokers are 40% more likely to develop the disease [Alzheimer’s Research UK].
Type 2 diabetes as well as high cholesterol and blood pressure in mid-life all greatly impact the brain’s function and therefore are important factors in managing cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s. So essentially, what is good for the body is good for the brain and it is considered that heart-healthy lifestyles help minimize the risks of Alzheimer’s disease [alz.org].
Get Tested to Put Your Mind at Ease
There are many variations in your genetics that can influence your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Though the presence of certain genetic variations do not necessarily directly cause the disease, having an understanding of your genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease, enables you to take preventative steps that could avoid or at least significantly delay cognitive decline.
The genoSCORE powered Alzheimer’s Risk Test is a genetic test that is designed to assess a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The test analyzes specific genetic markers that are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. One of the genes that is tested is the APOE gene.
The APOE gene is a gene that is involved in the metabolism of fats in the body. There are three common variants of the APOE gene: APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. APOE4 is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, while APOE2 is associated with a reduced risk.
In addition to the APOE gene, there are many other genes that have been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The polygenic Alzheimer’s test from Sampled is different from just testing for APOE because it analyzes multiple genetic markers and variations that have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. By analyzing a large number of genetic markers, the test is able to provide a more accurate assessment of a person’s risk for developing the disease.
The genoSCORE powered Alzheimer’s Risk Test can assess your genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease through analyzing your genetics generated from over 100,000 genetic variations associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This will help you and your physician understand your risk of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease so you can make an action plan to reduce your risk and avoid or delay the onset of symptoms.
Galleri Testing for over 50 different types of Cancer
The Galleri early cancer detection test is a new blood test that has been developed to detect cancer at an early stage. The test works by looking for genetic changes in the blood that are associated with different types of cancer. Here are five potential advantages of early cancer detection:
Improved treatment outcomes: When cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment is often more effective and patients have a better chance of recovery.
Reduced healthcare costs: Early detection can reduce healthcare costs by avoiding more expensive and complex treatments that may be needed if cancer is detected at a later stage.
Increased peace of mind: Knowing that cancer has been detected early can help to reduce anxiety and stress for patients and their families.
Improved quality of life: Early detection can help patients to maintain their quality of life by reducing the impact of cancer and its treatment.
Improved survival rates: Early detection can improve survival rates by allowing for prompt treatment and management of cancer.
Getting tested with the Galleri test is a simple and easy process. Patients can have the test done at a laboratory or through their healthcare provider. A small sample of blood is taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.
There are some limitations to the Galleri test, including the fact that it may not detect all types of cancer and that false positives and false negatives can occur. It is also important to note that the test is not a replacement for regular cancer screenings or medical care.
At SahaVida Institute, we are committed to offering a comprehensive and personalized approach to healthcare. We are pleased to offer the Galleri test as part of our early cancer detection program. By combining the Galleri test with other diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we can help patients to achieve optimal health and wellness.
Epigenetic Prevention and Optimization
Epigenetic elements are chemical modifications to DNA that can affect how genes are expressed without changing the underlying genetic code. These modifications can be influenced by factors such as diet, stress, exercise, and environmental toxins, and can have a profound impact on our risk of disease, as well as our ability to thrive in spite of our genetic and family history.
By modifying epigenetic elements, we can potentially reduce our risk of disease, improve our chances of survival, and enhance our overall quality of life. This has revolutionized medical care by allowing us to take a more personalized and proactive approach to healthcare, rather than simply reacting to disease after it has already developed.
Here are three examples of how modifying epigenetic elements has benefited patients and their families:
Cancer: Epigenetic modifications can play a key role in the development and progression of cancer. By identifying and modifying these modifications, we can potentially reduce the risk of cancer or improve the chances of survival for those who have already been diagnosed. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that breast cancer patients who received epigenetic therapy had a higher rate of complete remission and longer progression-free survival.
Cardiovascular disease: Epigenetic modifications can also play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. By making changes to the epigenetic environment, we can potentially reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as improve the prognosis for those who have already been diagnosed. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, can modify epigenetic elements and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Neurodegenerative disease: Epigenetic modifications can also contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. By identifying and modifying these, we can potentially slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. For example, a study published in the journal Nature found that exercise can modify epigenetic elements and improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
In conclusion, modifying epigenetic elements has revolutionized medical care by allowing us to take a more personalized and proactive approach to healthcare. By identifying and modifying these modifications, we can potentially reduce the risk of disease, improve the prognosis for those who have already been diagnosed, and enhance overall quality of life. Patients and their families benefit from this approach by having a better understanding of their risk for disease and being able to take proactive steps to improve their health and well-being. This not only leads to decreased medical expenses but also to patients thriving in their daily living.
Biohacking in Sarasota
Biohacking is the practice of using various techniques and strategies to alter one’s biology and optimize physical and mental performance. Patients are interested in biohacking because they want to achieve better health, improved cognitive function, increased energy, and a higher quality of life.
The main five advantages of biohacking include:
1. Improved health: By using various biohacking strategies, patients can optimize their biology and improve their overall health.
2. Increased cognitive function: Biohacking techniques can also improve cognitive function, memory, and focus.
3. Increased energy: Patients can use biohacking techniques to increase their energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve their physical performance.
4. Anti-aging: Biohacking can also be used to slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
5. Personalized approach: Biohacking is a personalized approach to healthcare, with patients tailoring their strategies to meet their specific needs and goals.
While there are many benefits to biohacking, there are also three warnings to be careful with:
1. Safety: Patients should be careful with any biohacking techniques that could potentially harm their health or well-being.
2. Effectiveness: Not all biohacking techniques are effective, so patients should do their research and seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.
3. Cost: Biohacking can be expensive, so patients should carefully consider the costs and benefits of each technique.
Functional medicine physicians use a variety of strategies to guide their patients in biohacking, including:
1. Nutrition: Functional medicine physicians help patients optimize their nutrition to improve their health and well-being.
2. Exercise: Exercise is an important aspect of biohacking, and functional medicine physicians help patients find the best exercise regimen for their specific needs.
3. Hormone optimization: Functional medicine physicians use hormone optimization techniques to help patients achieve optimal health and performance.
4. Peptides: Peptides are a type of biohacking strategy that can be used to improve health and performance. Examples of these are BPC-157, Thymosin Beta 4, CJC/Ipamorelin, and Epitalon.
5. Meditation: Functional medicine physicians guide patients in using meditation to improve mental health and well-being.
6. Cold therapy: Cold therapy, such as cold showers or cryotherapy, can be used to improve physical performance and health.
7. Light therapy: Light therapy, such as red light therapy, can be used to improve mood, energy, and overall health.
8. Sleep optimization: Functional medicine physicians help patients optimize their sleep to improve health and well-being.
9. Fasting: Fasting is a biohacking technique that can be used to improve health and reduce the risk of disease.
10. Gut health: Functional medicine physicians help patients optimize gut health to improve overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, biohacking is a popular practice that allows patients to optimize their biology and improve their health, well-being, and physical performance. While there are many advantages to biohacking, patients should be careful to consider the potential risks and costs associated with these techniques. Functional medicine physicians use a variety of strategies, including peptides, to guide patients in biohacking and help them achieve optimal health and performance.