The risk of diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's will eventually cause concern for anyone at some point in their lifetime. Those who are at risk can develop these diseases through heredity, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyles, and simply by aging. Certain types of diabetes have been linked to dramatic increases in the chance of someone getting Alzheimer's disease; conversely, keeping heart disease and diabetes at bay may reduce the chance of Alzheimer's developing. It is not yet clear on whether all three conditions are specifically connected; however, each disease alone can be life-threatening.
Diabetes
According to recent estimates, approximately 16 million Americans are affected by diabetes. Diabetics are either unable to produce insulin or resistant to insulin, causing the bloodstream to be unable to fuel the body with glucose. The glucose builds up in the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the body, damaging the heart, eyes, nerves and kidneys. Type 1 Diabetes usually develops suddenly and severely, and is usually diagnosed in children, while Type 2 symptoms gradually progress. Symptoms can include dry mouth, frequent urination, thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, and injuries that are slow to heal. According to LifeClinic.com, those who are at least 20 percent overweight, have a sibling or parent with the disease, are Hispanic, Asian, Native and African American or have high blood pressure or abnormal glucose levels are high-risk candidates for diabetes.
Heart Disease
Heart disease encompasses several diseases which upset the functions of the heart. Problems with the heart's rhythm, heart defects at birth, and coronary artery and blood vessel dysfunction are types of heart disease. Men tend to have a higher risk of developing the disease than do women, but after menopause, women become more susceptible. Other risk factors include smoking, aging, poor diet, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, high stress, obesity, lack of exercise, and bacterial infections. Shortness in breath, chest pain, numb feeling or pain in arms or legs, a fluttering, slow or racing heartbeat, and dizziness are common symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, heart disease is the leading killer of women and men around the world.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a gradual breakdown of brain-cell functioning. Old age, around 65 years and older, is the No. 1 risk factor associated with the disease. Heredity also plays a role: Having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's drastically increases the risk. Severe injury to the head has been linked to the potential of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. Symptoms commonly develop as memory loss, confusion, inability to solve simple problems, lack of comprehension, changes in mood, misplacing things, loss of appetite, and difficulty swallowing in the later stages.
