Q My parent has a family history of dementia. If there's a family history, will dementia inevitably come? Is prevention realistically possible?
A A family history raises the risk but is not destiny. Studies show that even with genetic risk, lifestyle management and treatment can delay the onset or keep symptoms mild.
Detailed Answer
Even with a dementia risk gene like APOE e4, onset is not guaranteed. Among people with the same gene, the group that maintained healthy lifestyle habits had a lower dementia incidence. The stronger the family history, the more important it is to manage risk factors earlier and more actively.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, family history is understood as a congenital tendency toward a deficiency of kidney essence (腾精). From the perspective that congenital deficiency can be filled through acquired nurturing and care (保養), we recommend that the stronger the family history, the earlier you begin treatment to replenish kidney function and brain marrow.
Related FAQs
-
Q
How do I distinguish simple forgetfulness from dementia? When should I get a neurology examination?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I heard that having depression raises dementia risk. Can depression and forgetfulness be treated together?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
I have high blood pressure. How is it related to brain health? Will controlling my blood pressure also prevent dementia?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Does exercise really help prevent dementia? What kind of exercise and how much should I do?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I can't sleep well at night. Is this related to dementia? How should I improve my sleep?
#Lifestyle Management