Many of you called. The Star's panel of Alzheimer's experts answered. As part of the package "The Good Day: An Alzheimer's Love Story," published Sunday, we invited readers to call a panel of experts assembled by the Alzheimer's Association's Heart of America chapter to ask questions about the world's leading cause of dementia.</p><p>Callers voiced common concerns: How do they keep from getting the disease? Should they be tested? Is there any prevention?</p><p>Here are some answers: Q. If some of my relatives have had Alzheimer's, am I certain to get it?</p><p>A. Certain? No. Is it possible? Of course, but just as it's possible to develop any other disease. The unfortunate truth is that while scientists are homing in on Alzheimer's genetic links, those links remain very shaky. Right now researchers know of no set pattern of inheritance, meaning that while two parents may get the disease, the kids may not. While one identical twin may get it, the other may not. At the same time, just because no one in a family has ever had Alzheimer's, doesn't mean it can't occur.</p><p>About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's. The greatest risk factor is age. The older people get, the greater their chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Some say as many as 40 percent of individuals at age 85 have some level of the disease. Some say it's about 16 percent. The good news, however, is that because so many people in their 80s, 90s and beyond live healthy, mentally alert lives, no one right now thinks Alzheimer's is inevitable.</p><p>I am worried about getting Alzheimer's. Should I be tested for the ApoE4 gene on chromosome 19? No. In fact, experts recommend against that. The genetic links to Alzheimer's are sketchy. One form of the disease that is inherited very early - between ages 30 and 60 - does tend to be inherited. But it accounts for less than 10 percent of all cases of Alzheimer's. The vast majority of patients have the "sporadic" form of the disease, which comes on after age 65.</p><p>It is true that among those patients, about half have a gene called ApoE4 on chromosome 19. The gene seems to be linked to cholesterol transport.</p><p>But, and this qualification is vastly important, the other half DO NOT have the ApoE4 gene. In other words, just because you lack the ApoE4 gene doesn't mean you won't get the disease.</p><p>Likewise, if you DO have the ApoE4 gene, that doesn't mean you will definitely get Alzheimer's either. Many people with the ApoE4 gene never get the disease. The result, at this point, is that being tested for ApoE4 pretty much tells you nothing and may cause only needless worry.</p><p>What can I do to prevent the disease?</p><p>There is no known prevention. Nor is there a cure. If you have Alzheimer's, four medicines (Cognex, Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl) may help slow the disease a bit. But even they cease to be effective after a few years.</p><p>Best advice: Keep an active mind, exercise, maintain a low-cholesterol diet and eat foods high in vitamin E and folic acid (or take supplements).</p><p>Alzheimer's leads to nerve damage and nerve death.</p><p>Both vitamin E and folic acid are anti-oxidants, meaning they battle the oxygen free-radicals related to cell damage. Physicians recommend at least 400 I.U. of each per day.</p><p>Challenging your mind with new activities - reading, puzzles, art - and trying to stay joyful are simply precautions. Studies have shown that individuals who, throughout their lives, engage in varied, more conceptual thinking, may be at lower risk for the disease.</p><p>Some studies have shown that individuals on cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins also may be at lower risk for disease. Thus they recommend the low-cholesterol diet.</p><p>I've been forgetting things lately. Could I have Alzheimer's? Depending on your age, it's possible. But many people who think they have Alzheimer's typically find they are suffering from something else - frequently depression. Depression often causes periodic forgetfulness. Mixed-up medications, metabolic disorders and a host of other problems can also cause forgetfulness.</p><p>If you are concerned, it's best to go to a physician, perhaps several, for a complete exam.</p><p>What do you do when you know a loved one has Alzheimer's but your relatives, living far away, think you're wrong and are just being dramatic? Unfortunately caregivers frequently face the doubt of out-of-towners. If the person living far off also possesses the legal power of attorney, he or she may interfere with the primary caregiver's ability to do what's needed for a loved one.</p><p>Best approach: Refer the out-of-towners to your loved one's physician. If that doesn't work, set up a family meeting with a health care professional to give everyone all the facts. If that doesn't work, you may have to seek legal advice to see whether power of attorney can be transferred.</p><p>To reach Eric Adler, features reporter, call 816-234-4431 or e-mail him at eadler@kcstar.com.</p><p>About the panel Our experts: Peter Holt, geriatric physician, Arms Dodge, Robinson, Wilber and Crouch Inc.; Martin Zehr, neuropsychologist, Responsive Centers; Penny Shaffer, geropsychiatric treatment liaison, Health Midwest; Rachel Reeder, editor Bioethic Forum, Midwest Bioethics Center; Jeanne Reeder, geriatric social worker, Overland Park Regional Medical Center; Shannon Ocsody, patient and family services specialist, Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America chapter; Michelle Niedens, education director, Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America chapter</p><p>To learn more: Call the Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America chapter at (913) 831-3888, www.kcalz.com