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Is Dementia/Alzheimer's Hereditary? Should I Get Checked For Alzheimer's? Is There A Way To Get An Early Diagnosis?

A myALZteam Member asked a question đź’­
Omaha, NE

My mother has Dementia and my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last summer. Is there a way to find out if I have early stage Dementia/Alzheimer's?

June 15, 2017
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A myALZteam Member

When my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimers we were told by someone that it passes from mother to daughter and father to son. Not sure that is true as out of 2 girls in her family and 4 boys, both girls and 2 of the boys ended up with it.

June 21, 2017
A myALZteam Member

While there is a genetic component, not everyone who has this will develop Alzheimers and unless your loved one has autopsy after death, there is no way to be sure their dementia was actually due to Alzheimers. The question I have for you is this. If you found out you had a genetic predisposition to Alzheimers, what if anything would you do differently and would you be able to deal with this knowledge psychologically. If you are all ready living a healthy lifestyle, unless you currently have cognitive issues there is nothing else to do. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers, but as I have no symptoms and we did not do an autopsy to determine her dementia was definitely due to Alzheimers I do not feel the need to be tested. I know what I need to do to help prevent it. But this is a personal choice.

January 24, 2023
A myALZteam Member

I was diagnosed last July for Alzheiemers. I am still doing everything everyone else does I just accepted the disease and I work with it instead of against it!

June 18, 2017
A myALZteam Member

I would ask the question why?

Consider if the reason for planning, financial.

The cure could be worse than disease.

There are many factors.

I offer my 5 principles of Common SENCE
Stress management
Exercise
Nutrition
Continous learning
ENVIRONMENT

Diabetes, thyroid, blood pressure, all could be ca factor

January 4
A myALZteam Member

Unfortunately there is proof that it is hereditary. My Wife's Mom and Dad both had it and now at 72 she has it as well we have been working with the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Ellesworth Wisconsin and her Personal Doctor now for over 3 years. But early testing can help you be certain if you have it or not. Not all people will have it activated though. Good Luck.

November 4, 2023

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