How Do Biological Risk Factors Affect Disease Incidence?
Biological risk factors can influence the incidence and prevalence of diseases in several ways:
- Genetic Predisposition: Certain genetic mutations can increase susceptibility to diseases. For example, individuals with the APOE ε4 allele have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. - Disease Progression: Biological factors can affect how rapidly a disease progresses. For instance, individuals with a family history of diabetes may experience faster onset and progression of the disease. - Interaction with Environmental Factors: Biological risk factors often interact with environmental factors to influence disease risk. For example, smokers with a genetic predisposition to lung cancer are at especially high risk.
