Genes Archive

Heart Health

Does early heart disease run in your family?

Published September 1, 2021

People with a family history of premature or early coronary artery disease (defined as a heart attack that occurs before age 55 in a man or before age 65 in a woman) face a higher risk of heart disease than people without that family history. Some of this elevated risk comes from genetic factors linked to higher cholesterol and blood pressure values. But unhealthy habits—such as smoking and poor eating and exercise habits—also tend to run in families and may contribute as well.

Men's Health

You don't say? Hair today, gone tomorrow

Published September 1, 2021

Men’s hair turns gray and falls out because of genes, declining hormones, and advancing age. The speed and severity this happens varies per person, but there is little that men can do about these hair changes.

Diseases & Conditions

Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

Updated June 1, 2021

People who get the COVID-19 vaccine may experience arm pain, rashes, aches, fever, or fatigue. Doctors say it's worth the risk, since an older adult's risk of dying from COVID is 3% to 11%.

Pediatric health

Sickle cell disease: Ways to help teens and parents

Published May 21, 2021

Children with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for many health problems and possible complications get more serious as children grow into adults. Here are ways for parents to support teens with SCD in learning to take care of themselves.

Healthy aging and longevity

Can we slow the aging process?

Updated May 1, 2021

Scientists are beginning to understand the natural biological processes that control aging, and they have made exciting discoveries about tinkering with the process. For example, they've been able to make aged cells act like brand-new cells in lab experiments; they've figured out how to make worms live five times as long as they normally would; and they've been able to keep mice from becoming obese and from developing diabetes, kidney failure, and heart failure.

Alzheimer's

A clue to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease

Published November 27, 2019

Half of people who live to 85 will develop Alzheimer’s disease — a disturbing statistic. But research into a family in South America has revealed a gene mutation that appears to afford protection, and may lead to a way to treat or possibly even prevent the disease.

Alzheimer's

Your risk of dementia: Do lifestyle and genetics matter?

Published September 13, 2019

Clinical trials for drugs to stop or slow the progression of dementia have not been successful. A recent study attempted to determine how much influence, if any, genetic and lifestyle factors may have on the development of dementia.