Hopkinton Drug Hosts Lecture Series On Genetic Disorders

On Wednesday, October 19th, people from near and far braved the torrential rain to hear an inspiring and exciting lecture on genetic disorders sponsored by at the Senior Center.

Dr. Aubrey Milunsky is a Professer of Human Genetics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pathology, and the Director of the Center for Human Genetics at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Milunsky also has decades of experience in caring for and counseling patients and families with genetic disorders.

Dr. Milunsky's presentation included new advances in genetics that have dramatically expanded our ability to avoid, prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of disorders.

After graciously thanking the Hopkinton Drug staff and welcoming guests, Dr. Milunsky explained the importance of our genes in determining our overall health.

"Your genes are your health," he said. "There is nothing that comes at us that doesn't involve our genes."

Dr. Milunsky went on to describe the origin of our genes. "Our parents are responsible for our genes, one string of pearls of chromosomes from each parent," he said. "These bands are like fingerprints."

Milunsky shared examples of gene mutations, transmissions, and their effect on people's overall health.

"There are DNA tests available to determine the gene defect from a single cell," he said.

Dr. Milunsky stressed the importance of knowing about new advances in genetics especially as there are some 7,000 rare genetic diseases that afflict about 1 in 12 of us.

In his new book, Your Genes, Your Health, A Critical Family Guide That Could Save Your Life, Aubrey provides an invaluable and authoritative guide to what you should know about your genes.

The book is illustrated with poignant family histories that underscore the lifesaving importance of knowing one's family medical history and ethnic origin. Genetic disorders are discussed such as cancer, heart disease, autism, mental illness, birth defects, neurologic disorders, diabetes, obesity and much more.

Dr. Milunsky discussed the ramifications of Whole Genome Sequencing and Medical Legal issues related to genetic testing. Informed consent, decisions not to know, and confidentiality are important factors during testing.

"Do we really want to know what our genes say?" he said.

The presentation concluded with an informative question and answer period where Dr. Milunsky thoughtfully answered a diverse range of questions, involving both personal and family genetic disorders.