Well Jeff, DNA cannot be overlooked. My mother suffered from dementia in the last 12 yrs of her life of 98 years.
She had an arteriogram with contrast to see of her cognitive issues were due to low blood flow to the brain caused by atherosclerotic plaque, cholesterol, etc.
The vascular specialist told me she had the cerebral arteries of a 16 yr old - clear and smooth. He said it must be from her diet.
I never told him that my mother’s preferred dinner was Triscuits topped with dried Italian sausage and provolone cheese followed by about 10 cigarettes before bedtime.
Obviously something happened in transcription and I did not get that genetic sequence which protects against cancer and atherosclerosis.
But I did get the genetic traits for her big nose, poor vision and varicose veins…thanks MOM!!