Is Dementia Hereditary? Is Alzheimer's Genetic?

Is dementia hereditary?

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities. It impairs one’s ability to remember, think or make decisions to the point that it interferes with everyday activities. Interest in this mental ailment is trending.

So is the question about whether it runs in families. The answer is not as straightforward as medical science would like.

But what’s clear in the minds of experts is that cases of dementia will continue to rise over the next several decades. That makes it essential that we understand the somewhat complex factors of this dreaded and debilitating condition.

When does dementia start?

Years ago, the term “senility” was commonly used to describe an older person’s penchant for memory loss and confusion. The term is now outdated in part because it connoted the faulty belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.

Dementia is now the more acceptable medical term. And though it typically effects the elderly, this condition is not an inevitable part of growing older.

While medical science is evolving to address this progressive decline in a person's ability to think and remember, there is still much we don’t know about dementia.

What’s clear is that it typically first appears in people 65 or older. However, in rare cases, symptoms can begin in people much younger.

What are the main types of dementia?

1. Alzheimer's disease. This is the most common type, representing up to 80% of dementia cases. The trademark symptom is trouble remembering recent events, such as a conversation that occurred minutes or hours ago. Family history appears to be a risk factor, although there is debate in the medical community as to what extent. Having a first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s disease increases the risk of developing it by 10% to 30%, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
2. Vascular dementia. This type, which represents about 10% of dementia cases, is usually caused by a stroke. Even small strokes that happen without them people realizing they had one can bring about vascular dementia, which often begins with poor judgment or trouble planning, organizing and making decisions.
3. Lewy body dementia. Deposits of protein can form in the cortex part of the brain, leading to this form of dementia. Symptoms include periods of blanking out or staring, problems with movement, memory trouble and visual hallucinations.
4. Frontotemporal dementia. Often surfacing in people younger than 65, it is a type of degenerative condition that affects primarily communication and behavior rather than memory, like other types of dementia.

Current estimates from the Centers for Disease Control are that 5.8 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This includes 5.6 million aged 65 and older and about 200,000 under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

Even more staggering are predictions that cases will more than double by 2060.

Is dementia genetic?

Dementia is caused by damage to nerve cells that connect to the brain, which prevents the cells from communicating with one another. The type of dementia a person has is determined by the particular type of brain cell damage in the particular region of the brain.

This differentiation is what makes the question of whether dementia is linked to heredity a bit tricky. The fact remains that scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes the most common form of dementia. The strongest evidence points to a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, the National Institute on Aging reports.

Is Alzheimer's hereditary?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, family history is not necessary for a person to develop the disease. However, having a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s increases the risk. And, those who have more than one first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s are at an even higher risk.

Alzheimer’s does not have a single genetic cause in most cases. Rather, it can be influenced by multiple genes, according to the National Institute on Aging. People can have more than one genetic variant or group of variants that can either increase or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

For instance, scientists have learned that a person carrying a gene called APOE4 may have an increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's, the most common form of the disease.

How do you prevent dementia?

Scientists from around the world are studying effective ways to prevent dementia. While definitive answers remain evasive, some research suggests that we can take steps to reduce our chances of getting it.

As such, promoting healthy aging is now a national priority in the eyes of the CDC. Though more research is needed, some experts say regular physical exercise and heart healthy eating may help support brain health and prevent dementia.

The CDC makes the following recommendations for promoting brain health:

1. Prevent and manage high blood pressure
2. Manage blood sugar
3. Maintain a healthy weight
4. Be physically active
5. Don’t smoke
6. Avoid excessive drinking
7. Prevent and correct hearing loss
8. Get enough sleep

What are the treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are complex medical conundrums that remain in the crosshairs of researchers around the globe. Research suggests that in most individuals, a host of factors beyond genetics play a role in the development and course of these mental health conditions.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, new treatments are available. Ochsner Health is the highest volume referrer in Louisiana for anti-amyloid therapy, a treatment that removes beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates into plaques, from the brain.

Patients who received this treatment in clinic trials showed improvement in things like memory and daily household tasks.

We now have medications that can control symptoms and limit the progression of dementia for some patients. There are also coping strategies that can be employed to help with behavioral issues.

It's important to understand that some forgetfulness is normal as we age. So don’t hit the panic button if at times you happened to forget where you put your cell phone.

However, if you find you are having significant memory problems, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.