Is Alzheimer's Disease Genetic: Could It Run In Your Family?

Certain genes are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Learn more about what these genes mean for you.

By Sam Walters
Sep 12, 2023 6:00 PMSep 15, 2023 8:52 PM
Young man sitting outside with Alzheimer's family member
(Credit: imtmphoto/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Alzheimer’s takes a toll on its patients. As the disease progresses, a person’s personality deteriorates, and so, too, does their judgement, their memory, and their motor skills. But a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia affects much more than the individual who is diagnosed.

That’s because the disease fosters feelings of fear and loss for the family, friends, and loved ones who witness its destruction, while also causing concerns for those same individuals about their own futures with the disease. So, what should you worry about when a biological parent or sibling develops dementia? Is Alzheimer's genetic, and should you be anxious about your genetic risk?

The answer is far from straightforward. Though there are many genetic mutations that are tied to Alzheimer’s, there's also an abundance of other factors that affect the development of the disease, making it difficult to determine a person's susceptibility from their genes alone.

Developing Alzheimer's Dementia

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.