Chapter 19: Prevention (Genome)

•The improvement of medical technology creates a moral dilemma of whether to use the technology or not, even if there are risks.

• In the past, we have had no choice but to watch our relatives die from diseases.

• After Jenner perfected vaccination, we were derelict in our duty if we did not vaccinate ourselves and our children.

• Oral rehydration therapy has given us a conscience to do something about epidemics in poor countries.

• Something must be done about the genetic diagnosis of two common diseases: coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

•Heart disease is a preventable and treatable condition, especially for those with the E2 gene.

• The APOE gene plays a pre-eminent role in Alzheimer’s disease.

• Those with at least one E2 version of the gene are even less likely to get Alzheimer’s than those with E3 genes, though the difference is small.

•E4 should have been driven extinct by now, but it remains because it serves some other purpose that is not yet known.

•Blood carries cholesterol between and within brain cells so they can build and repair their fat-insulated cell membranes.

• A third theory is that, whatever APOE’s job, the E4 version has a special affinity for something called amyloid beta peptide, which is the substance that builds up inside neurons of Alzheimer’s sufferers.

• The details will matter one day, but for now the important fact is that we are suddenly in possession of a means of making predictions about whether individuals will get Alzheimer’s disease.

• If the diagnosis were absolutely certain, then the test could be even more devastating. However, it would at least not be misleading.

• Most in the medical profession say no to offering APOE tests to individuals curious to know if they will get Alzheimer’s disease because there is no cure.

• To test somebody for a disease that is incurable is dubious at best and can buy reassurance for those who find themselves with no E4 gene at a terrible price:the almost-certain sentence to an incurable dementia for those with two E4 genes .

•A person’s APOE genes can predict their likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and this information could be used by insurance companies to charge higher premiums.

• However, there is a danger that people with genetic predispositions to diseases will be unable to afford insurance.

• There is also a danger that employers will use genetic information to discriminate against potential employees.

YARPP List

Related posts:

1. Law 17: Seize the Historical Moment (The Laws of Human Nature)
2. Part 2: Isolate the Victim (The Art of Seduction)
3. Chapter 16: The Capitalist Creed (Sapiens)
4. On Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra Summary (8.4/10)