Is dementia hereditary?
In most cases, dementia is not passed straight from parent to child. Having a parent with Alzheimer’s can raise your risk, but it does not mean you will get it.
Some genes raise the odds without deciding the outcome. A common one is called APOE-e4. Even people with two copies are not certain to get Alzheimer’s. Genes that directly cause the disease are rare.
If you are thinking about genetic testing, meet with a genetic counselor before the test and again when results come back. They can explain what the results mean and help you plan.
Share your family history with your own doctor at your next visit. To learn the basics, read our answer on the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Sources
This answer is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules can vary by state.
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