Yes, Alzheimer’s can can be genetically passed down. It is believed that many factors influence the start and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most important factors is genes. Early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease is an inherited genetic disorder. There are some diseases that are caused by genetic mutation or permanent change in one or more specific genes.
Symptoms Start Occurring Around Ages 30-60
If you want to know more about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, read about the 7 Stages Of Alzheimer’s.
How Gene Variants In Alzheimer Detection Works
When a person inherits a genetic mutation that causes a certain disease from the parent, then he or she will get the disease. This explains why Alzheimer’s can indeed be passed down.
With some diseases, there are genetic variants where a single gene can have many variants and these genetic variants can cause disease either directly or indirectly. In many cases, a variant will increase or decrease the risk of a person developing a disease or condition. In the case where the variant increases the risk of the disease but does not directly cause the disease, it is called a genetic risk factor.
This is why identifying genetic variants is helpful for researchers to find the most effective ways to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s.
The two types of Alzheimer’s: early-onset familial Alzheimer’s (FAD) and late-onset have a genetic component. Early-onset Alzheimer’s which occurs in people in their 30s to mid-60s is an inherited disease. If a child’s biological parent carries a genetic mutation for early-onset Alzheimer’s FAD, then they have a 50/50 chance of inheriting that mutation. For late-onset Alzheimer’s for people in their late 60s, genetics alone cannot be attributed to the cause of the disease. Other factors like the environment and lifestyle of the person affect their risk of developing the disease.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Reverse?
There have been recent developments that suggest that there is a possibility of reversing the memory loss that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease.
