Fact 10: The Link between Genetics and Cerebrovascular Disease
While lifestyle factors and pre-existing medical conditions play a significant role in the development of cerebrovascular disease, there’s also a genetic component to consider. Indeed, the genes that you inherit from your parents can influence your risk of developing this condition.
Certain genetic disorders can predispose individuals to cerebrovascular disease. These include conditions like CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy), a rare disorder that causes stroke and other neurological problems.
In addition, there are also genes that increase the risk of conditions that are risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. For instance, there are genes that can make a person more likely to develop high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which can contribute to the risk of cerebrovascular disease.
Researchers are still exploring the full extent of the genetic contributions to cerebrovascular disease. As our understanding of human genetics continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll discover more about these relationships and how they might be leveraged for prevention and treatment strategies. (10)
