is alzheimer disease heriditary?

Answer 1

There is a genetic component to it and if you have 1st degree relatives with it (parent, child, sibling) you are more likely to get it. But it's not guaranteed. The "early onset" form (before 65) is more hereditary--that's what my dad has so you know I've looked into it.

Answer 2

I think alzheimer disease is heriditary. My great grandmother had it before she died. My grandmother also had it. My two aunts on the same side of the family suffered from it. My mother is now going through this difficult stage of alzheimer. I am praying that I may skip the disease but I am not so sure. Sigh ! !

Answer 3

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) is a rare form of the disease, affecting less than 10 percent of Alzheimer’s disease patients. All FAD is early-onset, meaning the disease develops before age 65. It is caused by gene mutations on chromosomes 1, 14, and 21. Even if one of these mutated genes is inherited from a parent, the person will almost always develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. All offspring in the same generation have a 50/50 chance of developing FAD if one of their parents had it.

The majority of Alzheimer’s disease cases are late-onset, usually developing after age 65. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease has no known cause and shows no obvious inheritance pattern. However, in some families, clusters of cases are seen. Although a specific gene has not been identified as the cause of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, genetic factors do appear to play a role in the development of this form of the disease. The ApoE gene on chromosome 19 has three forms— ApoE2, ApoE3 and ApoE4. Studies have shown that people who inherit the E4 version of the gene are more likely to develop the late-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists estimate that an additional four to seven genes influence the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. One of these genes is called UBQLN1 and is located on chromosome 9.

Genetic risk factors alone are not enough to cause the late-onset form of Alzheimer’s disease, so researchers are actively exploring education, diet, and environment to learn what role they might play in the development of this disease.

Answer 4

While it may very well be hereditary, I believe it is actually a virus or infection. My mother has had it for the last 13 years. I am her primary caretaker. I have watched very closely at her behavior at all times. She is to the point where she can no longer 'speak.' But I have noticed that whenever she is put on anti-biotics(for whatever reason) she is able to say words...very clearly...that she has not spoken in years! It's also odd(to me) that no one else in the entire family has had it except for her and her siblings(except for one). I also believe that after they have lost their memory and can't remember family members and friends, they go through another stage after they have lost the ability to speak. And I think it is at that time that they can remember....they just are no longer able to communicate. My Mother will look someone in the eyes and squeeze their hand. I think this is the only way she can let them know she DOES know who they are.
While I admire the researchers.....I just wish they would think 'outside' the box. I believe they are over looking something!

BTW...thanks jjthinstr for your input.

Answer 5

Yes it sure is!!!