It is well recognized that early onset Alzheimer’s disease (i.e. occurring before 65 years) is genetically linked. In these families, there is usually a clear picture across the generations - but that does not mean you will develop the disease.

Genetic markers have been identified but scientists are not saying that the presence of these markers alone account for why a person develops the disease. For instance, there are cases of twins (with identical genetic material) where only one of them develops the disease.

This indicates that other factors are also at work. Aging is one of these factors. A person who is 80, is statistically more likely to get the disease than a younger person but that may or may not have something to do with his or her genetic material.

The role of genetics in the other types of the disease is not so clear.

The best advice we have at this point is that lifestyle, nutrition, and social factors are significant in brain health - and the older we get, the more important they are.

Click here to learn more about maintaining a healthy brain.

 

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