Will Alzheimer’s skip a generation?

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia. Most cases of dementia are due to Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s people are most familiar with are the memory and cognitive challenges that arise as a result of the condition. Still, the symptoms can also include behavioral and personality changes. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease presently without a cure, so it makes sense to be concerned about family and genetic connections. A combination of factors contributes to the development: environment, lifestyle, and hereditary factors.

Family history isn’t always a factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Research does indicate that people who have a first-degree relative like a sibling or parent with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease, but people without those links can be diagnosed with it. Both environmental factors and genetics may be involved in Alzheimer’s in families. Families clearly share genetics, but they also share environments and environmental factors as well.

Because Alzheimer’s disease isn’t only determined by genetics, and there are environmental and lifestyle factors involved, there isn’t any data to suggest that Alzheimer’s skips a generation.

Genetic tests are available for determining if a person has the genes involved in Alzheimer’s. There are two kinds of genes involved in disease. Risk genes increase the likelihood that a particular disease may develop, and deterministic genes, which directly cause the disease. Researchers have identified a risk gene with Alzheimer’s, and some data shows that between 40 and 60 percent of people diagnosed with the condition have the gene. Researchers have also found deterministic genes involved in Alzheimer’s. The deterministic genes involved in Alzheimer’s are rare and account for less than one percent of Alzheimer’s diagnoses.

Disease, but because there aren’t any treatments available that prevent, slow, or cure the condition, genetic testing results don’t have any implications for treatment. Preventing Alzheimer’s largely falls to preventative or protective lifestyle factors, including maintaining healthy physical activity levels, social interaction, eating a nutritious diet, and engaging in activities also known to lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked with lower risk of Alzheimer’s. It’s important to know that research on prevention is ongoing and more data is needed to make conclusive determinations about lowering risk factors and preventing the disease.

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease at 1-800-272-3900 or visit with your doctor to learn more about your risk, treatment, and prevention. If you’re a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s, managing the stress that can come with caregiving can be helpful. Talking with a licensed therapist about your role as a caregiver can help you develop coping strategies and manage your role and its consequences.