Is Dementia a Hereditary Condition?

If your senior loved one has dementia, you might wonder, “Is dementia hereditary?” The good news is that dementia can’t pass down through a family as there might be no genetic link for dementia. The chance of inheriting dementia is only high when a genetic link exists. This guide explores the genetic links for various kinds of dementia.

Most types of dementia are non-hereditary. They cannot be passed down through a family when there’s a weak genetic link for dementia. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is among the non-heritable conditions. The only risk factor is age because aging tends to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Now, let’s look at the risk factors for dementia, both hereditary and non-hereditary.

Genetics and Dementia

Cases of hereditary dementia are rare, and the families that suffer from the hereditary condition have dementia genes. As a result, it increases the risks of inheriting dementia among the people down the family. In most cases, the genes for dementia become prevalent when the affected individuals reach their 40s and 50s.

There are many signs that your loved one may need to be put in assisted living. If they physically can’t take care of themselves anymore, that is a clear sign that it is time for them to have additional care. Assisted living facilities like Unlimited Care Cottages can help increase a person’s well-being.

Common Forms of Dementia 

Here are the various forms of dementia and whether they are hereditary or not.

• Vascular Dementia: Usually, vascular dementia occurs due to underlying health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. While the health issues can pass to other generations, vascular dementia itself is non-hereditary.
• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): This dementia is rare and can sometimes be inherited. The condition might not be inherited directly, but around 40 percent of people diagnosed with it have at least one relative with the same dementia.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is common among older adults in their 70s and 80s. However, if your parent or grandparent develops dementia at the early age of 50, the chances are high that the condition can be passed down to the family. As a result, it increases the risk of dementia.

Be Aware

Is dementia hereditary? Not every type of dementia is heritable due to the difference in risk factors. People whose parents or grandparents have dementia at an early age risk inheriting the condition when the gene for dementia is dominant. 

If your loved one is struggling with their dementia, it may be time to consider an assisted living facility like Unlimited Care Cottages. We will provide your loved ones with the utmost care and respect. 

Contact us to learn more information about dementia or assisted living.