If you or someone in your family is living with asthma, you may wonder what caused the disease, and whether it can be passed on genetically. Here, we'll explore the symptoms of asthma, the genes that are associated with an increased risk of asthma development, and the treatments that can help control asthma symptoms.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory disorder in which airways become inflamed and cause recurring breathing difficulties. Sometimes, asthma episodes are referred to as asthma attacks.

During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airway tighten, making it difficult for the person experiencing the attack to breathe. Over time, this can have a compounding effect, as the tightening and strengthening of the muscles around the airways can cause the muscles to become larger, resulting in additional breathing difficulty due to airway compression.

Many people who have asthma experience mild symptoms regularly, and more severe symptoms less frequently. Asthma can flare up with seasonal changes, exercise, and illness, including the flu. Over time, people who have asthma often learn to understand their triggers, allowing them to utilize self-care and medication to prevent an attack.

Asthma symptoms can include:

• A feeling of tightness or itchiness in the chest
• Extreme sensitivity to environmental irritants and/or allergens
• Shortness of breath, even while performing everyday activities
• Wheezing (a whistling or squeaking sound in the chest that occurs while inhaling or exhaling)
• Excessive coughing (often flares up at night)

Is asthma genetic?

Asthma is a complex condition. Research shows that asthma is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. People who have a close relative who has asthma are more likely to develop asthma, but there's no guarantee. Research shows that people who are genetically likely to develop asthma develop the condition in about 75% of cases.

Genes and asthma: what you need to know

There is not a single gene that causes asthma, but there are genes that make it more likely that a person will develop the condition.

Genes associated with the development of asthma include ADAM 33, PHF11, DPP10, GRPA, and SPINK5. Since asthma has both environmental and genetic factors, it can be helpful to know if a person is likely to develop the condition.

While asthma development cannot be totally prevented, parents who have asthma can take steps to make it less likely that their child will experience severe symptoms. Reducing exposure to allergens, encouraging regular exercise, and working closely with a pediatrician to reduce the risk of severe symptoms can all help a child who is likely to develop asthma breathe easily.

Allergies can also make it more likely that a person will develop asthma. Allergies to dust mites, cats, dogs, cockroaches, fungi, and mold may be a predictor of an asthma diagnosis.

Genetic risk scores: predicting asthma susceptibility

Some asthma develops solely due to environmental factors, so it can be tough to correctly determine a person's likelihood of being diagnosed with the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a person who has at least one parent with asthma is up to six times more likely to develop the condition.

Male children are more likely to develop asthma than female children, as 8.3% of males are diagnosed with childhood asthma, compared to just 6.7% of females. Researchers aren't sure what role sex plays in this difference. And, unfortunately, lack of research on childhood asthma rates for intersex individuals means we don’t have a full picture. 

As time goes on, however, there's a shift--among adults who were diagnosed with asthma as children. 9.8% of females still have the condition as adults, and 5.5% of males still have the condition as adults. As with children, there is unfortunately a gap in research when it comes to the incidence of asthma in intersex adults.

There are also racial differences when it comes to the development of asthma. According to Lung.org, "Blacks and American Indian/Alaska Natives have the highest current asthma rates compared to other races and ethnicities. In 2018, Black people (10.9%) were 42 percent more likely than white people (7.7%) to have asthma. Hispanics (6.4%) and Asians (4.0%) had lower current asthma prevalence rates than other ethnic groups."

Household income is also correlated with the likelihood of an asthma diagnosis. Of people who live in a home with an income level that falls below the poverty threshold, 11% are typically diagnosed with asthma, according to Lung.org.

Exposure to cigarette smoke and weight can also contribute to the development of asthma. People who weigh more may be more likely to develop asthma and tend to have more days during which they experience severe asthma symptoms. Weight can also play a role in how well someone is able to manage their asthma symptoms with medication. 

Asthma treatment

While it can be scary to get an asthma diagnosis, it's the first step toward learning more about how you can best support your (or your child's) health.

Left untreated, asthma can turn deadly. It's important that you work closely with your doctor to ensure that you're controlling the condition.

For many people, a combination of asthma medication and lifestyle can help ease symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you take a daily asthma medication to keep your symptoms in check, while also keeping a quick-relief medication on hand for flare-ups.

Asthma medications are typically in the form of an inhaler or a pill. Some people may also keep a nebulizer at home, which is a machine that vaporizes asthma medication, allowing it to quickly get into the body in large doses. This is the same machine that's often used in the emergency room to help quell an asthma attack.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to ease the symptoms of your asthma. These may include exercising regularly, losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding certain allergens, and making dietary changes.

Ready to take your health to new heights? Keep track with Evidation.

If you have asthma, you know how your physical well-being can help to control your symptoms, and keeping your finger on the pulse of your overall health can empower you to breathe easily--literally.

Knowledge is power, and tracking your health can be the first step toward living your best life. Download the Evidation app today to help you get the insights you need to live well.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause 17 million deaths globally every year, making it the leading cause of death around the world. 

The cardiovascular system—which includes your heart and blood vessels—distributes oxygen through the body and removes waste. Every cell in the body depends on this process to run smoothly. 

Your cardiovascular system plays a key role in your overall health and longevity. In today’s article, we’ll share three tips to improve your cardiovascular health. 

Definition of cardiovascular health

Your cardiovascular health refers to the health of your heart and blood vessels, according to the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors.

Many people experience cardiovascular health issues at some point during their lives. The heart and blood vessels are complicated, and it’s easy for small issues to grow into something larger and more concerning over time. Some people are more genetically prone to heart issues, while others develop heart problems due to environmental and lifestyle factors. Often, it’s a combination of genetics and lifestyle that lead to cardiovascular health problems. 

Lifestyle issues that can contribute to cardiovascular problems include: 

• Smoking
• Chronic stress
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes

When people are aware that they’re living with conditions that make them more likely to develop cardiovascular issues, they’re able to take steps toward improving their heart health, often avoiding invasive procedures. It’s important that you work closely with your doctor to manage your health to avoid heart damage.

While all cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) involve the heart and/or blood vessels, there are several different types of CVDs, including: 

• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: Issues involving blood clots that develop in the legs, which later may dislodge and move to the heart and/or the lungs. 
• Congenital heart disease: A birth defect that affects the way the heart functions. People with congenital heart defects may be asymptomatic, or may require surgery to repair structural heart issues. 
• Coronary heart disease: A common type of heart disease that affects the blood vessels that direct blood to the heart. 
• Peripheral arterial disease: A type of heart disease that affects blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs. 
• Cerebrovascular disease: A type of heart disease that affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. 
• Rheumatic heart disease: Damage caused to the heart by rheumatic fever/streptococcal bacteria.

Some people who are at risk for cardiovascular issues never develop a problem, while others who are at low risk experience cardiovascular issues. Healthy lifestyle choices, including getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and tracking your health data, can go a long way in helping you ward off a cardiac event. 

Now, let’s take a look at steps that you can take to boost your cardiovascular health. 

How to improve cardiovascular health

If you’ve recently learned that you’re at risk for the development of cardiovascular disease, it’s important to take the steps necessary to boost the health of your heart. While it can be scary to get the news that your health is at risk, understanding and following through with lifestyle changes can go a long way in restoring your heart’s health, boosting your energy, and helping you rest assured that you’re doing all you can to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Diet, exercise, and lowering stress levels can all help your heart stay healthy. You’ll also want to consider staying away from substances that can cause heart damage, including alcohol and tobacco. Here, we’ll take a closer look into how certain lifestyle changes can help your heart stay strong.

Diet: foods for a healthy heart

‍

‍Why is diet important?

If you’re researching how to improve cardiovascular health, you likely already know the importance of choosing foods for a healthy heart. Cutting out processed and fried foods can be a great choice to help your heart get strong, but eating foods for a healthy heart isn’t just about what you have to give up–it’s also about finding new favorites. Here, we’ll take a look at both what you’ll want to cut down on in your diet to boost the health of your heart, as well as delicious new favorites you’ll want to add as you work to get healthy. 

Certain nutrients, foods, and minerals can affect how well the cardiovascular system functions. While the tips below are a good fit for most people who’re working to improve their cardiovascular health, it’s important that you talk with your doctor before making changes to your diet, especially if you’ve been informed that you’re experiencing cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will be able to work with you and monitor your progress to discover what type of nutrition plan is the best fit for your heart health needs. 

Excess sodium can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. One study showed that eating a diet high in sodium may cause water retention—straining the heart as it works harder to move extra fluid through the body. It’s recommended most adults limit their intake to 1,500 mg of sodium a day. 

Consuming too many unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats) can cause high cholesterol, which increases the chance of coronary artery disease. When cholesterol is too high, plaque can build up in the arteries—putting you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. 

Try avoiding too many unhealthy fats like fatty meats, dairy, and fried foods. Instead, do your best to eat good fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.

So what foods and nutrients support cardiovascular health?

High-fiber diets have many benefits, like:

• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) 
• Maintaining and achieving a healthy weight
• Lowering total blood cholesterol levels by lowering “bad” cholesterol levels.

Whole grains—or grains that haven’t been refined to remove their bran and germ—are a good source of fiber and other nutrients that help regulate blood pressure and boost heart health. Foods like oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and whole-grain pasta are great options. Or choose whole grains like barley, quinoa, buckwheat, and brown rice instead of refined grains like white rice or things made with white flour.

Vegetables and fruits are both low in calories and rich in fiber—and have other nutrients that may help prevent CVD. Load up on red, yellow, and orange produce like carrots, red peppers, and tomatoes; they contain carotenoids and vitamins that can nourish heart health. Berries are full of heart-healthy phytonutrients—try throwing some in a smoothie or your morning oatmeal. 

Exercise for heart health

Your heart is a muscle just like your biceps and calves—exercise can strengthen it. If it’s been awhile since you last hit the gym, got out for a walk, or sit down to do some stretching at the end of the day, don’t worry–there’s no need to train for a marathon to boost the health of your heart (unless that’s your thing). Simply getting active a few times a week can work wonders to help get your heart health back on track, one workout at a time. No matter what your limitations, there are movement strategies you can use to begin the process of strengthening your body–and your heart.

The benefits of exercise include:

• Lower blood pressure. Exercising can help lower blood pressure and slow your resting heart rate.
• Reduced inflammation. As bodily systems are activated through exercise, the body adapts and reduces chronic inflammation. 
• Healthy weight. Being overweight can put stress on the heart and cause buildup in arteries, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. Exercise, when paired with a healthy diet, can help to maintain a healthy weight.
• Strengthened muscles and bodily systems. A combination of aerobic exercise and strength training is recommended to improve your muscles' ability to draw oxygen from the blood. This reduces the need for your heart to work harder to pump more blood to muscles.
• Reduced stress hormones. Exercise reduces stress hormones, which put a burden on the heart. Many studies also suggest that people who exercise consistently are less likely to suffer from a sudden heart attack. 

If you’re looking to exercise more, a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training has been shown to be best for heart health.

‍Aerobic exercise, also fittingly called “cardio,” relies on breathing to fuel the activation of large muscle groups for a sustained period of time. Aerobic literally means “with oxygen.” It improves circulation to lower blood pressure and heart rate. It can also help your heart pump stronger. Ideally, for healthy individuals, a routine of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week is best. But beginners should take their time and work their way up. If you are managing health conditions or haven’t exercised in a while, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what exercise program is right for you. Aerobic exercises include:

• Cycling / arm cycling
• Running
• Jump rope
• Swimming
• Brisk walking

‍Resistance training, also known as strength training, has a more direct effect on body composition. Resistance training grows and strengthens muscle mass while reducing body fat. One study found that one hour per week of resistance training also reduced a specific type of fat around the heart, potentially reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Some examples of resistance training include: 

• Weight machines
• Resistance bands
• Free weight workouts (dumbbells and barbells)
• Body weight exercises (pushups, chin-ups, squats)

Exercise is a powerful practice to support cardiovascular health—especially in combination with a healthy diet. If possible, make a plan to get moving this week.

If you struggle to stay on track when it comes to exercise, you aren’t alone. Teaming up with a friend or family member who’s also working to improve their habits can be a great way to stay the course when motivation wanes. Setting a regular time to walk or do other exercise that allows you to still have a conversation with a friend or a group can help you stay on track, even on days when you’d rather hit the couch than lace up your sneakers.

Healthy habits for heart

Habits can also play a big role in the health of your heart. 

Sticking to habit changes can be tough, and it’s important that you set achievable goals to help you stay motivated as you work to make small changes that will impact your life in a big way. 

‍Higher stress levels may cause higher blood pressure—amplifying your risk of heart attack and stroke. 

To reduce stress, find time for hobbies that help you relax. Practices like meditation can also help reduce stress. Or try reaching out to a loved one to talk and catch up.

Don’t skip out on regular checkups. Finding potential health issues early can help you get the right treatment quickly and avoid any unnecessary complications. 

‍What are habits to avoid?

‍Alcohol and smoking can lead to poor heart health. 

According to the CDC, smoking causes around 1 in 4 deaths from CVD. Chemicals found in tobacco smoke cause cells that line blood vessels to become swollen and inflamed. This narrows the blood vessels—leading to cardiovascular conditions.

Excessive drinking can lead to heart failure, high blood pressure, or stroke. It can also contribute to cardiomyopathy—a disorder that affects the heart muscle. Alcohol is high in calories too. Excessive drinking can lead to weight gain and becoming overweight, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Maintaining and improving cardiovascular health starts with your lifestyle. If you can eat better, exercise regularly, and avoid bad habits you may begin to build a more robust cardiovascular system. Adopting a new lifestyle can be challenging, but making small changes on a daily basis can help you establish healthy habits to improve your overall health and well-being. By taking things one day at a time, you can gradually build a foundation of healthy behaviors that will benefit you in the long run.

If you learned anything new, share this with a friend or family member who could benefit from learning about these tips for better cardiovascular health.

Evidation: Helping you take control of your health

At Evidation, we’re here to work with you to help you make the most of your health data. When you keep track of your health data trends, you’re able to spot what’s working well–and what needs improvement. This means you’re able to get in front of problems before they start. If you’re ready to take strides forward in your health, we’re excited to get to know you. Download the Evidation app today.

As every migraine sufferer knows, migraines aren't just headaches. Migraines cause debilitating pain that can make it impossible to get through the day--much less be productive.

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. At Evidation, we know many people in our community deal with migraines and headaches, and we're working to provide you with the information you need to come out on the other side following a migraine.

What causes migraines?

Many migraine sufferers work to pinpoint their triggers to avoid a future migraine. Unfortunately, researchers still aren't completely sure what causes migraines to occur. There’s likely a combination of factors at work, including changes in blood vessels, nerves, and chemicals.

While the exact cause of migraines has yet to be determined, many people find that certain health and life circumstances make migraines more likely to occur.

Common migraine triggers include:

• Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle (people who menstruate are three times more likely to experience migraines)
• Stress (both chronic and acute)
• Fatigue
• Certain foods and drinks, including caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate

Knowing your triggers can help you and your doctor develop a plan to stop migraines in the future. Many people who live with migraines find it helpful to keep a journal regarding their symptoms. This can help you and your healthcare professional to work together to find patterns, allowing you to develop a plan that makes it less likely that you'll experience migraines in the future.

What does a migraine feel like?

For many people, a migraine involves severe headache pain. It's often only felt on one side of the head. When people are experiencing a migraine, they might be extremely sensitive to light and sound and may experience gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting) due to headache pain. Some people experiencing a migraine find it difficult to fully open their eyes due to light changes (similar to the feeling many experiences following eye dilation at an eye appointment).

There are three types of migraines, and the type of migraine you experience can determine your symptoms. Some people only ever experience one type of migraine, while other people find that their migraines change over time.

The three most common types of migraines include:

• Migraine with aura: In this type of migraine, warning signs are experienced before the pain sets in. Many people experience an aura, which can include the appearance of flashing lights, blind spots in the vision, patterns in the vision (such as dots or repeating black marks, and tunnel vision).
• Migraine without aura: This type of migraine only involves severe pain without the warning signs associated with aura.
• Silent migraine: Only the aura portion is experienced in a silent migraine, and head pain does not occur.

Migraines are different from person to person. Suppose your symptoms are more severe than normal, or you're experiencing new and concerning symptoms (such as paralysis, weakness, slurred speech, a level of pain you haven't experienced before, fever, double vision, confusion, seizures, or a rash). In that case, it's important to go to the emergency room for help, as these symptoms can be signs of a more serious condition.

How long can a migraine last?

The exact length of a migraine can depend on several factors. Some people find that their migraines always fade within a certain time, while others experience more variability. Typically, a migraine lasts between four hours and three days.

The frequency of your migraines is important to mention to your healthcare provider. If you experience more than a few days of migraines per month, you may be a candidate for medicine that can stop migraines from occurring in the first place.

Migraine treatments

Are you searching for information on how to relieve a migraine? Unfortunately, there's no cure for migraines--yet. Researchers are working to determine the exact cause of migraines, so they can develop treatments to help people suffering.

Thankfully, some medicines can treat the symptoms of migraines, allowing you to get back on your feet faster following an attack.

Many people find that painkillers are helpful when experiencing a migraine. Taking medicine like Tylenol or Advil as soon as you notice the first symptoms of a migraine (such as an aura before the pain sets in) can help minimize symptoms, even if you can't eliminate them. If you find that you're experiencing regular migraine attacks that leave you reaching for the medicine cabinet, be sure to talk with your doctor, as they may be able to provide you with different, more effective pain management options.

Triptans (such as Imitrex, Zomig, Amerge, and Maxalt) are prescription medicines that can help with brain changes thought to occur before a migraine. You may find that these medicines help to stop your migraine faster than painkillers alone.

If you deal with nausea when you have a migraine, your doctor may prescribe you anti-nausea medications to help you get the rest you need to get through a migraine attack.

In addition to pharmaceutical treatments, there are some at-home remedies that many people find helpful for alleviating migraine symptoms. Lying down in a quiet, dark room with a cool cloth on your head may help with symptoms. Some people also find that stress reduction techniques (like deep breathing) can help to alleviate migraine symptoms.

Make a difference: Participate in migraine research with Evidation

At Evidation, we're proud to be the link between our community and the betterment of healthcare. When you agree to participate in research, you're making a difference in medical care and treatment development. Join our community today to play a part in advancing the future of healthcare.

‍

Many researchers generally agree that personality is made up of 5 unique traits: 

• Conscientiousness (organization, productiveness, responsibility)
• Extraversion (sociability, assertiveness; its opposite is Introversion)
• Agreeableness (compassion, respectfulness, trust in others)
• Openness (intellectual curiosity and creative imagination)
• Neuroticism (tendencies toward anxiety and depression)

Some people may have very high or low levels of a trait, but most of us fall somewhere in-between. 

What is openness?

‍Openness describes how intellectually curious, imaginative, and appreciative of art and beauty someone is.

• Those with high levels of openness are generally open to new activities and ideas. They tend to be creative, curious, and sensitive to art and beauty. 
• Those with low levels of openness tend to be traditional, practical, and like to stick with conventional ways of doing things. They prefer the familiar over the new, and the concrete over the abstract. 

Why does openness matter for health and health decision-making?

Although openness doesn’t strongly or consistently relate to health, people can still use their understanding of their level of openness to change their health behaviors and make them more likely to stick.

We recently offered our members the opportunity to take a survey to see where they fall on the spectrum for openness. If you’re an Evidation Member who took the survey and received your openness results, read on to understand what a high or low score may mean for your health. If you’re not a member and want to see results like these, download the Evidation app.

I scored high on openness. What could this mean for my health?

If you’re high in openness, and thus enjoy exploring new activities and ideas, you may be more motivated to stick with a varied physical activity schedule than a familiar routine. 

If you have a hard time turning healthy behaviors, like exercise, into habits, try adding variety. For example you may try… 

• Going for a walk at a new spot
• Creating a new music playlist to run to
• Signing up for an exciting race you need to train for 

Finding new ways to fulfill your intellectual interests–like music, art, or something else–may also help boost your well-being. You may find these hobbies to be especially helpful when you’re feeling stressed.

I scored low on openness. What could this mean for my health?

If you scored low in openness, you may find it easier to stick with familiar exercise routines or healthy recipes than it is to try new ones. 

If you haven’t found healthy behaviors that work for you, try a few out until you find one you like, and make it a habit, such as…

• Making a healthy taco dinner every Tuesday
• Aiming to walk with a friend every day at the same time 
• Going to the same evening yoga class each week

Though personality traits are only one small part of your health and well-being, learning more about yourself may help you to find healthy routines and behaviors that stick. 

Want to receive more personalized health insights? Complete cards daily in the Evidation app and, if you haven’t already, connect a compatible health app. 

Don’t yet have an Evidation account? Download the app today!

From hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism to Hashimoto's disease, it can be tough to understand all of the different conditions that can affect your thyroid gland. Here, we'll take a look at the differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, including symptoms and treatments.

The thyroid gland: supporting your body, one system at a time

Hormones produced by the thyroid include thyroxine, triiodothyronine, prohormone, and calcitonin. These hormones work to regulate your body's growth, development, and metabolic rate.

If you're generally healthy, you probably don't spend much time thinking about your thyroid. But if the gland begins producing too much or too little thyroid hormones, many health symptoms can appear. Changes in energy levels, weight, heart rate, reproductive health, and skin health can all occur when thyroid hormone levels fall out of balance.

Cancer can also develop in the thyroid, interrupting a variety of bodily processes. Signs of thyroid cancer can include a lump or nodule in the front of the neck (where the thyroid is located), voice changes, neck and throat pain, trouble swallowing, and hormonal changes (such as acne and unusual growth of body hair).

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disorder?

As mentioned, the thyroid is a key player in producing and regulating your body's hormones. If you're experiencing a thyroid disorder, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, it's likely that you'll notice some changes related to your energy and hormones.

Symptoms of thyroid disorder are often attributed to aging and other factors. If you're noticing symptoms that could be indicative of a thyroid problem, it's important to talk to your doctor about the changes you've noticed.

Symptoms that may indicate a thyroid disorder include:

• Changes in mood, including anxiety or depression
• Sleep changes, such as excessive sleepiness
• Weight loss or weight gain that cannot be explained by lifestyle factors
• Changes in energy levels, especially feeling tired even after getting a normal amount of sleep
• Body changes typically related with teenage hormones, such as an increase in body hair and acne

If you're experiencing symptoms that could indicate a thyroid condition, your doctor will be able to prescribe tests to find the root cause of the issue. Thankfully, medication and lifestyle changes can be hugely helpful in alleviating many of the symptoms associated with a thyroid disorder.

What's the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism mean that something isn't quite right with the thyroid.

The prefix "hyper" means "more"--when a person is experiencing hyperthyroidism, their thyroid is producing a surplus of hormones.

The prefix "hypo" means "less"--when a person is experiencing hypothyroidism, their thyroid isn't producing enough hormones.

Hypothyroidism symptoms

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones. This can cause the body processes to slow down. People with certain conditions, including diabetes, lupus, and Celiac disease, are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than people who do not have these conditions.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Fertility problems
• Struggles to tolerate cold temperatures
• Slow heart rate
• Depression
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weight gain that can't be explained by changes in diet or lifestyle

Like the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often thought to be associated with aging, mental health issues, and other non-hormonal conditions. Hypothyroidism tends to develop slowly. If you notice that you're developing symptoms of hypothyroidism, it's important that you ask your doctor to check your thyroid hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism symptoms

If your body has an excess of thyroid hormones, it can speed up your metabolism to the point where you experience negative health effects.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:

• Losing weight despite efforts to maintain or gain weight
• Never feeling satiated despite eating more food
• Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Hand tremors
• Eyes appear to bulge forward out of sockets

Simply put, hyperthyroidism speeds up your body to a point where it can be tough to function effectively. Many people who have hyperthyroidism believe that their symptoms--especially anxiety--are within their control. With hyperthyroidism, medication is often needed to regulate hormone levels.

It’s important to note, that while most people with hyperthyroidism lose weight, about 10% actually gain weight, which can lead to difficulty getting diagnosed. So, if you’re experiencing other symptoms of hyperthyroidism but are gaining weight, be sure to talk to your doctor. 

Hypothyroidism treatment

There are several approaches to treating hypothyroidism. Your endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in hormonal issues) will work with you to determine the right treatment approach for you. Your doctor may recommend diet and lifestyle changes along with synthetic thyroid medicine known as levothyroxine. After about a month and a half of taking medication for hypothyroidism, your doctor will run tests to ensure that the medication is working as expected and make changes if necessary.

Hyperthyroidism treatment

If you're diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your endocrinologist will likely prescribe a combination of medicine, radioactive iodine treatment, and/or surgery. Medications, including carbimazole and propylthiouracil can work to stop your thyroid from over-producing hormones. Some patients diagnosed with the condition also find that taking beta blockers can help to control their symptoms.

Radioactive iodine treatment uses radiotherapy to kill some of your thyroid cells. This can minimize the hormones produced by your thyroid, allowing your hormones to return to a healthy level. Some people also need surgery to remove some or all of the thyroid gland.

Evidation: moving treatment forward

At Evidation, we're proud to partner with medical research industries to make a difference in tomorrow's healthcare. When you use the Evidation app, you may have the option of participating in research with our trusted partners. If you choose to participate in research, we're excited to tell you more about how your choice can make a difference in the world of healthcare.

‍

According to the CDC, over 37 million people in the United States have diabetes. As many as one-fifth of these individuals don’t know that they have it. These facts make it a serious health concern.

While the tools available to people with diabetes have improved significantly in recent years, a diabetes diagnosis still impacts most aspects of life. If you're someone who’s affected, you’re probably wondering whether or not you’re going to pass the condition on to your kids. In other words, you want to know, “Is Type 1 diabetes genetic?”

To answer this question, you’ll want to take a closer look at diabetes, the different types and how they develop.

How many types of diabetes are there?

Doctors diagnose three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes only affects pregnant people and typically clears up after the baby’s birth. It happens when the body doesn’t make enough insulin to meet the mother’s needs during pregnancy. This occurs in 2 to 10 percent of pregnancies each year.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, making up 90 to 95 percent of all cases, per the CDC. In this type of diabetes, the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin properly, so the body makes more of it to compensate. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Over time, the body can’t keep this up, and blood sugar levels increase.

While Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called juvenile diabetes, it appears in people of all ages. This form of diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, if it makes any at all. Blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream since insulin isn’t present to help the cells absorb and use it.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

While both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affect a person’s blood sugar, they’re quite different in how they do this.

In someone with Type 1 diabetes:

• The body can’t create insulin properly.
• The condition is an autoimmune problem.
• Symptoms develop quickly.
• The only treatment is to take insulin.
• There is no cure.

In someone with Type 2 diabetes:

• The body can’t use insulin properly.
• Weight and diet are contributors.
• Symptoms develop slowly.
• Treatment involves lifestyle changes and medications or insulin.
• There's no cure, but it can go into remission.

What causes Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to destroy cells in the pancreas that make insulin. However, doctors have not identified all of the elements that cause this illness.

Several factors determine if someone is at a higher risk for Type 1 diabetes. They include:

• Having another autoimmune condition
• A family history of Type 1 diabetes
• Genetic components, including variants of specific HLA genes

In addition, people usually have a trigger that causes them to develop Type 1 diabetes. Triggers include certain problems during pregnancy, exposure to viruses, and specific climate factors, such as living near the ocean or at a higher altitude. However, no one knows why only some people develop Type 1 diabetes when these triggers are present.

What percentage of Type 1 diabetes is genetic?

Because doctors can’t pinpoint the exact cause of diabetes, it's impossible to say that a specific percentage of cases result from genetics. Doctors know that predisposition to Type 1 diabetes is passed down through families, but they can’t use this information to predict which children will develop it.

Instead, consider the risk of passing diabetes on to your child if you are an adult who has it. Here are some facts about the odds of passing Type 1 diabetes on to your child:

• Fathers have a 1 in 17 chance of passing the condition on to their children.
• Mothers who have children before age 25 have a 1 in 25 chance of passing it on to their children.
• Mothers who have children after age 25 have a 1 in 100 chance of passing it on, and the general population faces the same level of risk.
• Parents who are diagnosed with diabetes before age 11 have twice the risk of passing it on to their children as parents of the same age who were diagnosed later.
• Children who have two Type 1 parents have 1 in 4 odds of developing Type 1 diabetes.

While it’s clear that someone with Type 1 diabetes can pass it on to their child, many people develop the condition without any known relatives who have diabetes. Because of these variances, tracing the Type 1 diabetes inheritance pattern isn’t easy.

Can you prevent Type 1 diabetes?

There’s nothing you can do to prevent Type 1 diabetes. Living a healthy lifestyle, having more activity in your life, and eating nutritious foods are all good choices to make, but they can’t stop you from developing an autoimmune disease.

However, these steps can reduce your likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, so they are worth considering.

If you want to gain better control over your health, Evidation can help. Track your steps and sleep or log your meals with your favorite app. Next, connect it to Evidation and get rewarded for healthier choices. You can also participate in health surveys and research, including research into Type 1 diabetes.

Download the app today.

Heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute.

It’s one simple number that can tell you so much about how your heart is functioning and if you need to make any changes to your lifestyle or daily habits to improve it.

In most people, heart rate indicates how physically fit they are, based on how the muscle is functioning. Regular cardiovascular fitness, like running, walking, cycling, and swimming, can help lower your resting heart rate.

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of tracking your heart rate, how to measure your heart rate and the various factors that can influence heart rate. In turn, you may discover small lifestyle changes you can make to improve your heart health. 

Importance of tracking heart rate

As a general rule, a lower resting heart rate typically indicates a healthier or more physically active person. A normal resting heart rate varies by age and how healthy a person is. Some health conditions can impact resting heart rate, including anemia, thyroid problems, asthma, cardiomyopathy, and others.

The information provided in this post is for generally healthy individuals. Anyone with any type of heart condition should consult their healthcare provider before following recommendations or health advice about their heart. 

If your healthcare provider recommends taking steps to lower your heart rate, there are many benefits to doing so. As your heart rate lowers, your heart will be able to more efficiently pump blood with each contraction and maintain a regular heartbeat throughout the day. This helps improve your overall heart health and many functions throughout your body, including quality of life and potentially increasing your lifespan. 

Tracking your heart rate is simple, non-invasive, and takes less than a minute to perform. You can track your heart rate sitting at your desk at work, from the couch at home, or anywhere else where you’re calm, relaxed, and not overexerting yourself.

Consistently tracking your heart rate gives you beneficial insights into how your body’s most important muscle is operating and if it’s working harder than it should be.

By knowing your heart rate, you can understand the steps you need to take in order to lower it through exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Say your doctor recommends performing more cardio workouts to lower your heart rate. By regularly measuring your resting heart rate, you have a baseline to start with. After adding more cardio to your fitness routine, you can accurately evaluate how the exercise is lowering and improving your heart rate over time.

Tracking your heart rate can also help your doctor to detect any potential health risks or conditions that may be occurring in real-time, rather than playing catch up later on once they’re worse.

One simple measurement can tell you so much about your physical and emotional health. It all starts with knowing your resting heart rate and working with a medical professional to decide if lowering your heart rate is a beneficial decision for your health. From finding physical activities that work for your lifestyle to making simple diet changes, lowering your resting heart rate can have many positive impacts on your life. 

Normal resting heart rates by age

In healthy adults (over 18 years old), a healthy resting heart rate is anywhere between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).

Children typically have a much higher heart rate than adults because their hearts are much smaller and have to beat faster.

Toddlers between ages 3 and 4 typically have a heart rate between 80 and 120 bpm, while newborn babies have a heart rate between 70 and 190 bpm.

How to calculate your heart rate

Measuring your heart rate can be done simply by checking your pulse.

Getting a consistent resting heart rate is best done when you are - you guessed it - resting. 

This means you should not calculate your resting heart rate immediately after you’ve eaten a meal, gone for a run, or done some other physical activity. There are occasions when individuals test their heart rate during exercise as well, but that won’t provide an accurate resting heart rate. Allow your body to calm down and regulate before measuring your resting heart rate to get an accurate reading.

Rest your index and third fingers on the side of your neck on your windpipe. To check your pulse on your wrist, place two fingers on the radial artery, which can be found on the thumb side of your wrist.

Whether checking on your neck or your wrist, wait a few seconds to find your pulse. Then, count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds. Once you have that number, multiply it by 4 to discover your BPM (beats per minute). Feel free to check it multiple times to ensure you’re getting the correct reading.

There are many devices today that calculate heart rate for you at any given time. These include heart rate monitors, smartphones, smartwatches, and other wearables.

It’s a good idea to keep a consistent eye on your heart rate so you can detect early on if something seems awry. Knowing your normal resting heart rate will provide you with a baseline should your heart rate increase over time. This will make it easier to narrow down what may be going on in your body and find a solution.

Factors that impact heart rate

Many factors can impact heart rate in both negative and positive ways. These include pre-existing health conditions, your diet and lifestyle, the amount of exercise you get, and many other influences. Let’s discuss them here.

Activity levels

Individuals who prioritize physical and aerobic exercise generally have lower heart rates than those who do not. The heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly to grow stronger.

Getting consistent exercise, whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood, swimming, cycling, or running, can help train and strengthen the heart. As you improve your exercise levels, the heart will be in better shape to pump blood and oxygen throughout the body, effectively lowering your heart rate. 

Blood pressure

Having a higher heart rate is often associated with high blood pressure. Individuals with high blood pressure have a much higher risk of developing heart disease at some point in their lives. By 2035, more than 130 million American adults are projected to have some form of cardiovascular disease; blood pressure and hypertension are two of the most significant risk factors associated with CVD.  

Stress

Physical and emotional stress takes a toll on the body in many ways, and heart rate is one of them. Stress and other emotions, including anxiety, depression, and fear, can elevate the heart rate to a potentially dangerous rate.

If an individual experiences chronic stress, where the stress hormone levels never fully regulate, that person can be at a higher risk of a heart attack.

Smoking

Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide, which reduces the oxygen in the blood and the heart. The heart needs oxygen to function, so the heart rate speeds up to produce more oxygen.

Smoking also tightens the major arteries in the heart and can cause an irregular heartbeat, forcing the heart to work harder and the heart rate to rise.

Diet

When it comes to diet, foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates can be difficult on the heart.

Eating heavy meals on a regular basis can impact a person’s cholesterol levels, along with heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of a heart attack. The body works hard to break down the food we eat so it can pass through the digestive system. The amount of blood needed for digestion impacts your heart rate after every meal. 

To avoid overeating, try drinking a glass of water before every meal. Fill your plate with fresh produce, clean protein, and limit sodium as much as you can. Make small changes over time to get better results in the long term. 

Caffeine Intake

That morning cup of coffee is a safe, healthy choice for most people, but if you are consuming caffeine in large amounts during the day, your heart rate may be impacted.

Caffeine stimulates the cells in the heart and makes it beat faster, speeding up blood flow and heart rate. If your caffeine consumption is impacting your heart rate, try to limit your intake to two cups of brewed coffee per day.

Dehydration

When your body is dehydrated, the heart reacts and tries to regulate body temperature by beating faster. Dehydration means less blood can circulate through the body, so the heart works overtime to try and catch up.

Proper hydration promotes efficient blood flow and helps all the body’s muscles work effectively, requiring less heavy lifting by the heart.

How can I lower my heart rate?

Tracking your heart rate is an effective way to improve cardiovascular health, alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and developing healthy habits that will improve your overall quality of life.

Whether any of these factors are relevant to your daily life or not, it’s a good idea to take a step back and reflect on the lifestyle and daily habits you’ve developed throughout your life. Think about how they may affect your heart rate if it’s inexplicably high and what you can do to lower it.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the steps necessary to lower your heart rate, take small steps at first. 

The following information is designed to help healthy individuals make small adjustments in their lives to improve their heart rate and overall health. If you have symptoms or other concerns, please consult a healthcare professional before implementing any of these changes.

Start by increasing the amount of exercise you’re getting each week. Add two or three walks to your weekly schedule, whether in the morning before work or in the evening with a partner or your dog. Adding a few cardio exercises per week can greatly impact resting heart rate; it’s not a change you’ll see right away, but with time and commitment, you’ll notice the number dropping.

If you have a lot of stress in your life, take steps to reduce it in manageable ways. Many people swear by meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques like focused breathing, journaling, and mindful thinking.

Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to lower your resting heart rate. The larger the body is, the harder the heart has to work to pump blood and circulate oxygen. Consult with your doctor before beginning a weight loss plan, and set attainable goals that don’t feel overwhelming.

Other small steps you can take to lower your heart rate include getting adequate sleep, reducing caffeine intake and alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.

Keep track of your health

Heart health is absolutely critical to living a long, happy life. An efficient cardiovascular system can help improve general health and make daily activities more enjoyable for people from all walks of life. 

Monitoring your heart rate may seem like a small action to take when it comes to the big picture, but it’s a great way to keep an eye on your cardiovascular health with minimal effort required.

Consistently measuring your heart rate can prevent bigger health problems down the road by staying proactive and knowing your numbers.

Are you looking for a way to keep track of your health and monitor daily metrics and important data points? With the Evidation app, you can get paid to take healthy actions on a daily basis and keep track of your health. Download the app today.

A guide to stopping the sniffles and sneezes that come with spring

Spring has come. With it comes thoughts of flowers and gentle rain, but for many people, those spring signs bring on sniffles, sneezes, and respiratory concerns. These spring symptoms have many potential causes, from actual viruses spreading through the community to spring allergies.

When you’re suffering, you may feel desperate for relief.

Fixing your spring maladies starts with finding the underlying cause. Once you know what’s causing you to feel bad, you can take measures to improve it.

This guide takes a deep dive into common spring health concerns, including allergies, and gives you tools you can use to help yourself feel better. When you feel well, you can get out there and enjoy the warmth of spring.

5 common spring allergies symptoms

If you’re sick in the spring, always consult with a doctor first to rule out any underlying infections. For many, spring discomfort is due to allergies. Allergies affect people in many different ways, but these are five common symptoms.

1. Runny or congested nose

One of the most common signs of spring allergies is a runny nose. If you find yourself reaching for the tissues more frequently when spring rolls around, you can probably chalk it up to allergies. Many people have a condition called rhinitis, which means “inflammation of the nose,” according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Rhinitis can cause a runny or congested (stuffy) nose.

2. Itching

Itching in the eyes, nose, and throat are usually signs that you’re having an allergic reaction to the seasonal change. These are often some of the signs that help you distinguish between a cold and allergy symptoms.

3. Watery eyes

Your eyes are quite susceptible to allergens. The delicate tissue that lines the eyes can get irritated when exposed to spring allergens, like pollen or mold. If you’re tearing up frequently, but aren’t really sad, then it may be due to your allergies flaring. Mayo Clinic indicates that eyes may also become red and swollen because of exposure to allergens.

4. Sneezing

When you start sneezing excessively, it’s often because of irritation from allergens in the air. The extra pollen that accosts you in the spring can cause this symptom to flare up.

5. Skin itching or hives

While hives are usually connected to topical allergens, some people will develop hives or itching skin due to seasonal allergies, the AAFA warns. Sometimes you can have an allergic reaction to plants growing more abundantly in the spring as well. Though these aren’t seasonal allergies, they’re more likely to occur in the spring.  

When do spring allergies start?

Spring allergies usually flare up at the start of spring. The actual month varies depending on the local climate. For most parts of the United States, the symptoms show up as early as February.

What causes spring allergies?

You can have allergy symptoms any time of year, but they’re worse for many people in the spring. This is due to a number of allergens that present themselves when the world comes out of winter and heads into the growing season again.

Pollen

One well-known allergen that’s present in the spring is pollen. While you might think of flowers as a source of pollen, the AAFA explains that trees are a more common problem. Specifically, you may notice allergy symptoms if you have these trees in your area:

• Alder
• Ash
• Aspen
• Beech
• Birch
• Box elder
• Cedar
• Cottonwood
• Elm
• Juniper
• Maple
• Mulberry
• Oak
• Olive
• Pecan
• Poplar
• Willow

Pollen can also come from grasses in the spring. These grasses are common culprits:

• Rye
• Timothy
• Kentucky
• Bermuda
• Orchard
• Johnson
• Sweet vernal

Pollen counts tend to be higher on warm and dry days. Wind can also cause pollen to spread more easily, so weather directly impacts how much pollen you’ll be exposed to.

Mold

In the spring, people start going outside. The leaves and dead foliage that fell in the winter have been harboring a lot of mold, and it gets moved around by foot traffic and even the wind.

Mold spores get carried on the wind. They can travel on both wet and dry days, triggering your allergy symptoms. The more time you spend outdoors in areas where there are good conditions for mold growth, the worse your allergies may be.

Animal dander

In the spring, your pets may start shedding to prepare for their summer coat. This releases more dander, the shed skin flakes that come with pet hair, into the air.

For many people, dander is an allergen. It has proteins in it that people are allergic to. If you have pets, and you notice increased allergy symptoms in the spring, it may be because of the increased dander in the air.

Insects

Insects become more active as the weather starts to warm. Many insects leave behind droppings that people have allergic reactions to. Cockroaches, which tend to invade homes, are a common trigger for spring allergy symptoms due to their droppings, according to Health Partners.

Treating allergies starts with a proper diagnosis

The symptoms of allergies can be similar to the symptoms of colds and other conditions. In order to get the right treatment, you need a proper diagnosis.

Visit your doctor for a full checkup if you’re noticing spring allergy symptoms. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have allergies or a different type of problem. If you do have allergies, your doctor can help you choose a treatment that will work for the type of allergy and reaction you have.

Is it a cold or allergies?

Like many with allergies, you may find yourself asking, “Is it a cold, or allergies?” Knowing how to tell the difference is important because the way you take care of yourself will be different. If you’re sick, you’ll benefit from extra rest. If you have allergies, the treatment is less restrictive. 

Some ways you can distinguish between colds or allergies, according to Mayo Clinic, are:

• Duration: Allergies last for weeks or months, while a cold typically resolves within five to seven days.
• Aches and pains: This symptom doesn't come with allergies.
• Itchy eyes: This is typically an allergy symptom.
• Sore throat: This usually means you have a cold. But post-nasal drip caused by allergies can sometimes cause you to wake up with a sore throat. If you’re not sure, talk to a healthcare provider.
• Fever: Allergies never cause a fever.

Some symptoms overlap. Both allergies and colds can make you feel tired and weak or cause sneezing and a runny nose. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re not sure.

Other common spring health concerns

At Evidation, our goal is to help you live the healthiest life you can. That’s why we want you to know about other potential health risks associated with spring. In addition to seasonal allergies, you may also struggle with:

Asthma

Asthma has the same springtime triggers as allergies do. Mold and pollen, specifically, can make your lungs struggle if you have asthma because your body views them as a threat.

If you’re experiencing tightness in the chest or shortness of breath, even if you have allergy symptoms as well, it may be due to asthma. This health condition can become serious quickly, so talk to your doctor about the right medicines to control it.

Once you have medication, take it as prescribed. Keep your inhaler or other rescue medication handy to ensure you can get treatment when needed.

Insect bites

As insects become more active, the risk of getting bit increases as well. Some insect bites or stings cause little more than an itchy reaction on the skin, but others can lead to full allergic reactions and sometimes anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction.

One of the most dangerous insects to watch for in the spring is the tick. Ticks carry a number of viruses, parasites, and bacteria, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease rates are growing by about 476,000 new cases a year, according to the Global Lyme Alliance, and it can be difficult to treat once you catch it. To protect yourself, wear insect repellent when you go outdoors, and if you live in an area with ticks, check yourself for them when you come home.

Cold and flu

Spring means people are getting out into the community more frequently, rather than staying at home like they do in the colder months of winter. With more time around other people comes a higher risk of catching a cold, flu, or coronavirus.

If you’re feeling unwell in the spring, but don’t have typical allergy symptoms, consider that you might actually be sick. Give yourself some time to rest, and if you’re worried about flu or COVID, be sure to get tested.

How to prevent spring allergies

If you're living with allergies in the spring, you're in good company. The AAFA says over 100 million people in the US alone have spring allergies. Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect yourself from these symptoms. Consider these strategies:

Reduce allergy trigger exposure

If you know what your allergy triggers are, reduce your exposure to them. For instance, if you’re sensitive to pollen, avoid chores like mowing the lawn or working in the garden, and don’t bring your outdoor shoes into the home to track in pollen. If you’re allergic to dogs, avoid going to homes that have dogs.

Watch pollen counts

Your local news station will monitor pollen counts. If you have a high pollen day, try to stay home. If you must venture out, do your outdoor activities earlier in the day before the pollen counts rise. Keep your doors and windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home.

Improve your indoor air

Have your indoor air quality tested, and if the test discovers pollutants, install air cleaning systems. Use your air conditioner to circulate air through the filters, so you don’t add more pollen and other allergens into your home. Use a HEPA filter and HEPA-filtered vacuum in your home.

Clean up your space

Cleaning your space not only helps prevent colds and the flu, but it can also reduce allergen exposure. Keeping dust mites, pet dander, and even pollen off of the surfaces of your home will reduce your exposure to allergens.

Practice better healthcare

Overall, if you take better care of your body, your body may be able to handle allergen exposure better. Learn how to de-stress and relax, so you aren't adding stress hormones to the mix. Use Evidation to track exercise, so you have accountability to make better choices.

How to treat allergies

Prevention is helpful, but sometimes it’s just not enough to stop your allergy symptoms. You can’t avoid pollen altogether, no matter how hard you try, especially in the spring. If you’re living with allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor about treatments. Your primary care doctor can help, but if you have serious allergies, consider getting an appointment with an allergist for specialty care. Some additional options to help include these:

Use medication

There are many over-the-counter medications that treat seasonal allergies effectively. These include:

• Oral antihistamines
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays
• Cromolyn nasal spray
• Oral decongestants

Some people find that one medication works well for a while, then stops working. Talk to your doctor about changing your medicine if you experience this.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying anything new, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications that could interact with these.

Consider alternative treatments

There are many herbs and vitamins that may have a positive effect on your allergy symptoms. These include:

• Spirulina
• Butterbur
• Stinging nettle
• Curcumin

Don’t start taking a supplement without talking to your doctor first. Keep in mind that these aren’t cures for seasonal allergies, but they may help reduce the symptoms.

Consider allergy shots

If your allergies are making you miserable, and you aren’t getting relief through the above options, talk to your doctor about allergy shots. Allergy shots reduce your body’s allergic response by gradually increasing exposure to the allergen in a safe, controlled way.

Protect your health with Evidation

Allergies are a frustrating problem, and spring seems to bring them out. As you move through spring and into summer, make sure you’re taking care of your body well. Evidation can help by adding the accountability component and making it fun to take care of yourself.

Keep taking care of your health with Evidation - download the app today.

‍

Learn more about the condition and the genetic factors that affect Alzheimer's predisposition 

Does someone in your family have Alzheimer’s disease? If so, you may wonder if you can inherit the memory problem.

Researchers are still working to understand what causes Alzheimer’s, but they think genetics may have something to do with it. In other words, you can inherit genes that make you more likely to develop the condition. But you don’t necessarily have to have a family history of Alzheimer’s to develop the disease. 

People with a sibling or parent with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the condition, however, than those who do not have an immediate family member with it.

About Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, a general term used for conditions that affect memory and cognitive function. Dementia affects memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills and can significantly impact day-to-day functioning.

About 6.5 million Americans ages 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, it’s the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is thought to be an abnormal build-up of proteins called amyloid plaques in and around brain cells that makes it difficult for neurons to "talk" to one another.  Another type of protein that leads to Alzheimer’s disease causes “tangles” in the brain cells.

Communication between neurons in the brain is important for almost every biological function our bodies need to carry out. This includes everything from talking to sleeping to remembering where we placed the remote, or what our address is. When Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain, a person’s quality of life is directly impacted. They may start with mild memory loss. Over time, the plaques and tangles in the brain take over, making it difficult for the people we love to function as they were once able to. 

Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can vary from person to person, but memory loss is common. 

Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, which means memory loss and other symptoms get worse over time. In its early stages, someone with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble remembering recent conversations or events. 

Signs and symptoms of mild Alzheimer’s disease

The signs and symptoms of mild Alzheimer’s disease are often mistaken as normal effects of getting older. And not everyone with Alzheimer’s has every symptom.

The most common signs of early-stage Alzheimer’s include:

• Memory loss that makes everyday activities harder
• Poor judgment and making bad decisions
• Getting lost
• Losing track of dates
• Trouble planning
• Trouble solving problems
• Taking longer than usual to complete everyday tasks
• Forgetting recently-learned information
• Repeating questions
• Trouble paying bills and handling money
• Wandering
• Putting items in odd places
• Losing things
• Difficulty completing everyday tasks
• Mood and personality changes
• Increased aggression and/or anxiety

Most people with Alzheimer’s are diagnosed during the first stage of the disease.

Signs of moderate Alzheimer’s disease

People with moderate Alzheimer’s often require more supervision and care. The changes at this stage may be challenging for spouses and other family members to manage.

Signs and symptoms of moderate Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Increased memory loss and confusion
• Avoiding people and activities they usually enjoy
• Inability to learn new things
• Difficulty with language
• Struggling to read, write, and do math
• Difficulty organizing thoughts
• Shorter attention span
• Difficulty dealing with new situations
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Trouble carrying out familiar tasks, such as getting dressed
• Occasional difficulty recognizing family and friends
• Delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia
• Impulsive behavior, such as using vulgar language or undressing at inappropriate places or times
• Inappropriate emotional outbursts
• Moodiness, such as agitation, anxiety and tearfulness
• Restlessness and wandering, especially in the late afternoon or evening
• Repetitive statements or movements

Signs of severe Alzheimer’s disease

Late-stage Alzheimer’s has devastating effects on the body. At this stage, people depend on others for every aspect of care. They need help combing their hair and eating, for example, and  are typically unable to communicate or get out of bed.

Symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s often include:

• Trouble communicating
• No memory of recent events
• No awareness of surroundings
• Seizures
• General decline in health
• Difficulty swallowing
• Appetite loss, weight loss
• Moaning, groaning, or grunting
• Sleeping excessively
• Loss of bowel and bladder control

People with late-stage Alzheimer’s may lose their ability to swallow. This can allow food and liquids to get into their lungs. This condition is known as aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of death for people with Alzheimer’s.

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible as early treatment can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. 

Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to develop as the result of multiple factors, Such as a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors.

Genetics

Genetics may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This is especially true when genetics combine with other factors. 

“Research shows that older Latinos are about one-and-a-half times as likely as older whites to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias, while older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have the disease as older whites. The reason for these differences is not well understood, but researchers believe that higher rates of vascular disease in these groups may also put them at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s.”

About genes

• You get your genes from your mother and father
• Genes carry the instructions cells need to do their job
• Humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes

Types of genes

There are two types of genes that affect whether or not a person may develop a disease: risk genes and deterministic genes.  

• Risk genes increase the likelihood that you will develop a disease
• Deterministic genes directly cause disease.

Researchers have discovered several risk genes for Alzheimer’s disease, but deterministic genes are much more rare.  

Anyone with a deterministic gene for Alzheimer’s, will develop the memory problem. But only a few hundred families worldwide have deterministic genes for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, the genes account for less than 1 percent of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Deterministic genes cause early-onset dementia, in which symptoms develop when a person is in their early 40s to mid-50s rather than when they are 65 or older.

The deterministic genes that cause Alzheimer’s affect the way your body produces and processes beta-amyloid, which is the main protein in plaque. Beta-amyloid can clump together to form plaques which can build up between nerve cells in the brain. Clumps of beta-amyloids can stop the brain’s nerve cells from working right. 

Past head trauma

A blow to your head may also increase your risk for Alzheimer’s. Your brain creates large amounts of beta amyloids following an injury. So be sure to protect your head from injury, especially during sports or other high-risk activities.

Mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment is a stage between normal age-related decline in memory and more serious dementia. People with mild cognitive impairment may have a higher risk for Alzheimer’s.

Lifestyle

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy cholesterol level, and quitting smoking can help reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s.

Heart health

Older adults with certain heart and circulatory problems have a higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Talk to your health provider about your risk and how to keep your heart healthy.

Sleep disorders

People who don’t get enough quality sleep can experience a buildup of amyloid plaques in their brains. If you struggle with getting enough good sleep, talk to your doctor, and try things like meditation for sleep which can help. 

Lack of lifetime learning

Stimulating your brain with mental activities can improve brain health and reduce amyloid plaques. Find ways to keep your mind active as you age. Take a class or try a new hobby - anything new will help keep those neurons firing. 

How to know if you have the Alzheimer’s gene

Medical tests, such as blood and saliva tests, can detect both deterministic and risk genes. Physicians use  genetic testing to test patients with a strong family history of Alzheimer’s disease and to diagnose early-onset. 

Researchers use this testing to identify participants who may have a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Results of the genetic testing allow researchers to look for early brain changes in study participants, and use the tests to compare the benefits of various treatments for people with different Alzheimer’s genes.

Testing is most helpful if you have a family member with a genetic mutation for Alzheimer’s. In this case, testing can tell you if you have a deterministic gene and are certain to develop the disease.

Genetic testing can also tell you if you have inherited the Alzheimer’s risk gene. This result would mean you have a higher risk for this type of dementia, but may not necessarily develop Alzheimer’s.

Genetic counseling before and after testing can help you make sense of your results. You can talk with a genetic counselor about the potential effects the results could have on your life. You might talk about how a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s could affect your job and whether you should buy long-term care insurance.

How to get tested for the Alzheimer's gene

If you have a strong family history of Alzheimer’s, your doctor may be able to help you get tested for the Alzheimer’s gene. You can also use a home test. The FDA has approved at-home genetic testing through the 23andMe Personal Genome Service Genetic Health Risk (GHR) test. Simply send a saliva sample and receive your genetic background through the mail. Other companies offer similar tests.

Participating in research is another possible way to get tested for the Alzheimer’s gene, and to help other people in the process. Joining Evidation can help you contribute to some of the world’s leading research projects that may someday lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. Join Evidation today to learn more.

‍