Dementia Answers: Is Dementia Genetic?

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Video Transcript [Dementia Answers 1002]

Welcome, and thank you for joining me. Today, we're talking about whether the diseases and disorders that underlie the syndrome of Dementia are genetic. The short answer is that for most people, Dementia is caused by a mix of different factors, and only some types of Dementia have a strong genetic link.

In a relatively small percentage of cases, certain kinds of Dementia, mostly forms that appear at a younger age, are more directly caused by changes or mutations in specific genes. If someone has one of these rare gene changes, they are very likely to develop a disease, often before age 65. These cases usually run strongly in families, but they are uncommon.

For most people, genetics plays a minor role. Having a parent or sibling with Dementia may slightly increase your risk, but it does not mean you will develop it. Other factors, such as age, overall health, lifestyle, and environment, are often more important in determining risk. In addition, some genes can increase the chance of developing Dementia later in life. However, many people with these genes never get Dementia, and many people without them do.

The good news is that healthy lifestyle choices such as staying active, eating well, managing blood pressure, stopping and avoiding smoking, and keeping your mind engaged can help lower the risk, even if you have a family history. If you are worried about your genetic risk, talk with your doctor. They may recommend genetic testing and counseling to help you understand your particular situation.

On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself.

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