Is Dementia Hereditary? See the Genetic Link and How to Protect Your Memory
Even with a family history, lifestyle changes can noticeably reduce your risk
We know that lifestyle plays a key role in our health, but the influence of our genetics shouldn’t be dismissed. That’s why it’s so important to understand your family’s health history and whether you may be predisposed to certain conditions. If a parent or grandparent has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, for example, you might be wondering: is dementia hereditary? The answer isn’t quite cut-and-dry, but doctors shared with us how your risk of the condition may be impacted by inherited traits.
The genetic link behind dementia
While your chances of developing dementia aren’t solely determined by your genes, your genetics can play a role, explains Meredith Bock, MD, board-certified neurologist and the Chief Medical Officer at Remo Health.
“Some rare forms of dementia are caused by specific gene mutations passed down from parents to children,”says. Dr. Bock. “But the more common types, like late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, have a more complex genetic component. In these cases, certain gene variations can increase your risk, but they don’t guarantee you’ll develop the disease.”
Woman's World Answers
Is Alzheimer’s hereditary?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, which develops before the age of 65, is more likely to be linked to specific gene changes, according to Dr. Bock. Variations in the APOE gene are the most commonly identified genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, she explains. The form APOE ε4, in particular, increases the risk of developing the disease.
Another important note: the form of Alzheimer’s that develops before age 65 and as early as your 40s or 50s is considered unusual, and only accounts for about 10 percent of all Alzheimer’s disease cases, says Jason Krellman, PhD, ABPP-CN, neurologist and Associate Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
In any case, having what is considered an “Alzheimer’s gene” only indicates elevated risk and does not mean a person will definitely develop the disease or its symptoms.
Are other forms of dementia hereditary?
There are also different genetic mutations associated with less common types of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Dr. Bock says. While FTD is generally rare, it is the most common diagnosis in younger people with the disease.
Additionally, Huntington’s disease is a rare condition that typically leads to dementia symptoms. It’s predominantly caused by a specific gene alteration passed down through families.
How to reduce your risk of dementia
“It’s important to remember that even if you have a family history of dementia or certain genetic risk factors, lifestyle choices and overall health play a significant role in dementia risk,” says Dr. Bock. “Dementia is often influenced by a mix of factors, ranging from lifestyle choices to chronic medical conditions. Lifestyle factors are crucial—an estimated 40 percent of cases of dementia are preventable.”
Making healthier and holistic lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of dementia, Dr. Bock says. Here are a few suggestions she offers to her patients:
Ramp up physical activity
It may seem cliché, but a safe, appropriate exercise regimen is extremely important in preserving cognitive function, says Dr. Bock. Movement isn’t just beneficial for your body; it also protects your brain, making it stronger and reducing the risk of dementia as it ages, she explains. Moderate intensity and impact levels of aerobic exercises and strength training are ideal. Not sure where to get started? Check out how “micro walks” can improve your health in a short period of time.
Follow a brain-healthy diet
Nutrition can also offer protective effects against dementia, and Dr. Bock recommends the anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet to benefit your cognitive health. This plan prioritizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes. It also includes low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, and limits added sugars, sugary beverages, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and fatty or processed meat.
“What is heart healthy is also brain healthy,” says Dr. Bock. Similarly, the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is heavy on vegetables—especially green leafy vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce and kale, berries, beans, nuts and one or more weekly servings of fish.
Manage other health conditions
People with an underlying heart or vascular condition may have a higher risk of developing dementia, says Dr. Krellman.
“High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are major vascular risk factors to avoid or reduce,” he cautions. “Related to that, sleep apnea, kidney disease, significant depression and anxiety have all been shown to increase dementia risk.”
Stay mentally active
Dr. Bock also advises always making time for cognitively stimulating activities, like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, planting a garden and anything you enjoy doing regularly to keep your brain active. She also suggests socializing with other people, which is good for cognitive stimulation and a great mood booster, too.
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