Donald Trump's Father Fred Was Diagnosed With Alzheimer's - Is The Disease Hereditary?
In recent months, speculation that President Donald Trump's health might be on the decline has been running rampant. And, even though we now know why Trump got an MRI, this hasn't stopped the questions. One thing in particular that many want to know is whether the president has any cognitive issues. After all, he's often bragged about the results of his cognitive testing, making comments about how he took one and "aced" it (via Politico) and challenging other political figures, such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett, to take the same test (per People).
As many have noted, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which experts say is likely what Trump took, tests for cognitive decline and early signs of dementia (via The Hill). Given that Trump's father, the late Fred Trump, passed away at the age of 83 with Alzheimer's disease (per Dr. Zebra), this raises the question of whether his son might have inherited the condition. The short answer is, yes, it is possible. However, it's a bit more complex than that.
Is Alzheimer's disease hereditary?
The Alzheimer's Association says family history can influence your risk. If you have a parent or sibling who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you are more likely to develop the disease. However, lifestyle factors like sleep, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking can also contribute to your risk.
They further explain that you can inherit either risk genes or deterministic genes. Risk genes, like APOE e4, increase your risk of late-onset Alzheimer's, but they are no guarantee that you will develop it. Deterministic genes, on the other hand, almost guarantee that you will have Alzheimer's, and they are linked with early-onset disease. However, they are rare and account for less than 1% of all cases.
Testing for the genes associated with Alzheimer's disease is available; however, the Mayo Clinic notes that most clinicians don't advise routine testing for the genes linked to the late-onset variety of the disease since they aren't fully predictive of who will actually go on to develop Alzheimer's disease. It does not appear that Trump has ever publicly spoken about whether he has had such testing.
How can people reduce their risk of Alzheimer's disease?
Cognitive Vitality writes that you can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease, even if you have the genes. Research shows that a Mediterranean-style diet is linked to better cognitive outcomes. People with APO e4 also may benefit from limiting refined carbohydrates and including several weekly servings of DHA-rich fatty fish, since they tend to transport omega-3s to the brain less efficiently. Alcohol also appears riskier for APO e4 carriers, so minimizing intake is recommended.
Physical activity can also help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Studies show people with APO e4 often gain greater cognitive benefit from exercise than non-carriers, especially when they engage in higher-intensity or more frequent workouts.
Managing cardiovascular health is also crucial. Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in check reduces strain on the brain. Treating hypertension early can also reduce risk.
They additionally advise keeping your mind active and getting seven to eight hours per night of good-quality sleep. Taken together, all of these steps help to support a healthy brain.