Genetics Demystified: Understand Your Risk for Dementia

In this webinar recording, Drs. Tricia Woo and Anthony Levinson demystify the role that genetics and other non-modifiable risk factors play in a person's risk of developing dementia. Discover the difference between sporadic and familial Alzheimer disease and learn about the role of susceptibility genes in increasing your risk. Learn about genetic testing and who should get a test. Explore how to reduce your risk, delay the onset, or slow the progression of dementia by addressing various modifiable risk factors to reduce damage to the brain and to increase capacity.

Learn the answers to the following questions:

0:00 Introduction and overview
2:17 What is dementia?
3:41 What causes dementia?
4:16 What are the different types?
6:00 What are the risk factors?
8:08 How does genetics influence the risk for dementia?
19:20 Should you get a genetic test?
21:27 How do you reduce your risk of developing dementia?
39:45 Is there a link between adult ADHD and Alzheimer disease?
42:13 What gene is involved in dementia for those who have Down syndrome, and can lifestyle factors help reduce the risk?
44:50 How do concussions in early life increase the risk of dementia?
46:39 Can tinnitus increase your risk of dementia? What is the role of hearing loss?
48:35 I have a strong familial history of Alzheimer disease. Should I get genetic testing?
49:45 Will genetic testing determine the exact type of dementia a person has?
53:25 Is there research related to different populations, such as Asians, Black and Indigenous, and their genetic risk for dementia?

Learn more at: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/...

Dr. Tricia Woo is a geriatrician and an Associate Professor at McMaster University. She has a keen interest in inter-professional education and increasing the profile of geriatric medicine among medical students in Canada. Dr. Woo is currently the Program Director for the Geriatric Medicine Residency Program at McMaster.

Dr. Anthony Levinson is a Professor at McMaster University and a physician who works in the area of consultation-liaison psychiatry in Hamilton, Ontario. He leads the design and development of multimedia content, including online learning about various topics related to healthy aging for the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal.

This webinar was presented in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton and Halton.

Disclaimer: These videos are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The videos may be used for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal ([email protected]).