Genetics plays a large role in our health and wellness. While environmental factors are important, we all have genetic predispositions that can turn on and off throughout our life. These genes we inherit can be harmless, like the color of our eyes or hair, or they can increase our likelihood of developing certain diseases.
But that doesn’t mean you’re facing the inevitable. Instead of waiting for a generational disease to show up at your doorstep, modern medical technology allows you to take a proactive, empowered approach to your health.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your tissues, organs and blood vessels. This allows radiologists to see everything from the tiniest cancer cells to heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and more.
Fortunately, there is now a way to get ahead of your risk of genetic conditions using MRI technology. simonONE’s preventative care MRI lets you assess your risk, keep an eye on conditions of concern and detect early development of these diseases.
Here are 5 genetic predispositions that can be detected by a simonONE MRI:
Cancer
While not every type of cancer develops because of genetics, a family history of cancer can typically indicate a higher chance of developing it. This is why it is important to do an annual MRI. If you can detect any cancer growth early on, you can develop the right course of treatment with your oncologist. The early stages of cancer are much easier to fight and get rid of than more advanced stages.
Alzheimer’s Disease
If you have a relative who developed Alzheimer’s disease, you do have an increased chance of developing it as well later in life. Thankfully, MRI screenings are able to detect abnormalities in the brain and can potentially predict when mild cognitive impairment (MCI) could develop into Alzheimer’s disease. This early detection allows providers and patients to develop a lifestyle and medical plan that helps slow down the onset of the disease.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is another family gift that keeps on giving. If your parents or grandparents had heart disease, the chances you’ll develop it are much higher. MRI can help you detect and manage this condition. By taking an in-depth look at cardiac function, anatomy and heart tissue health, your provider can create an actionable plan that will give your lifestyle a “heart-healthy” stamp of approval.
Stroke
The benefits of performing an MRI for patients with a higher risk of stroke are two-fold. Proactively, MRI can help predict the likelihood of a stroke by accessing carotid arteries and their levels of cholesterol, which is an indicator of potential stroke. Reactively, MRI is used in hospitals to assess a patient after a stroke (or a suspected stroke) to detect brain damage or blocked blood flow.
Multiple Sclerosis
While multiple sclerosis (MS) is not a guaranteed inherited disease, presence in the family tree does increase your likelihood of developing it. MRI is one of the most useful tools doctors have to detect MS early on. With MRI images, providers can detect brain changes, such as deep lesions in the brain’s white matter, as well as atrophy in spinal cord volume, among other indicators. Once detected, your provider can prescribe medications and physical therapy to slow progression and manage symptoms.
Schedule an MRI Today
Whether you have a family history of a particular genetic predisposition or want to empower your health, affordable and accessible MRI screenings are available now thanks to simonONE.
Schedule an appointment today at simonONE.
