Is Dementia Hereditary?

If a loved one has dementia, you may wonder if it is genetic or if you should be worried about developing dementia yourself! The good news is that the majority of dementia is not inherited or genetic, except for some rarer types of dementia.

1. The most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age. Because Alzheimer's disease and dementia are common in people in their late 70s and 80s, having a parent or grandparent with Alzheimer's disease at this age does not change your risk compared to the rest of the population.

2. It is important to know that underlying health issues that can contribute to vascular dementia, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, may be passed on from one generation to another.

3. When dementia can be inherited:

a. If somebody has developed Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier age (less than  60  years-old)   there is a chance that it may be a type  of Alzheimer’s disease that can be passed on. It is important to talk to your doctor if someone in your family has early onset dementia.

b. Additionally, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can sometimes be passed on. Most FTD is not directly inherited, but about 40 percent of people who
develop the condition may have at least one close relative diagnosed
with some kind of dementia.

Most dementia’s will not be inherited or passed down genetically. However, it is important to share your entire medical history with your primary care provider or neurologist along with any concerning symptoms!

To learn more about the symptoms of dementia or the Norton Neuroscience
Institute Memory Center go to nortonhealthcare.com/memorycenter.