In the event of a family member, such as a parent or a sibling, being diagnosed with a chronic disease, one is likely to wonder whether or not they're also prone to the condition. Many diseases, including asthma, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, run in families.
Early signs of increased risk usually include close relatives developing these diseases much earlier than usual, having multiple family members with the same disease, diseases typically affecting one gender appearing in the opposite sex, and clusters of specific diseases within your family, as suggested in "Understanding Genetics: A New York, Mid-Atlantic Guide for Patients and Health Professionals."
Many health experts note that Alzheimer's, a progressive neurological disease, is also a family concern. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Neha Kapoor, Associate Director and Head of Neurology at Asian Hospital, Faridabad, explained what it is and whether having a family member with the condition can put a person at risk.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, contributing to 60–70% of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
"It is a progressive condition that impacts the areas of the brain responsible for thought, memory, and language, significantly impairing a person's capacity to perform daily activities," explained Dr Kapoor.
While younger people can develop the condition too, it is most common in people beyond age 65, as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer's include:
- Forgetfulness, especially of recent events
- Difficulty in problem-solving and planning
- Confusion about time and place
- Challenges in completing familiar tasks
- Difficulty finding the right words or understanding conversations
- Poor judgement and decision-making
- Changes in mood and personality
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Difficulty in learning new information
Are You At Risk If A Family Member Has The Condition?
While age is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, having a close relative with the condition can put you at a 30% greater risk of developing it, reports Harvard Health Publishing.
According to Dr Kapoor, when certain conditions run in families, the cause could be a mix of genetics and environment.
"Research indicates that having a close relative with Alzheimer's raises your risk by about 30 percent. However, age plays a more significant role than family history in the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's," she said, adding, "For people in their 70s, the chance of being diagnosed is 5%, more than double that of those in their 60s. Family history increases this by 30%, but the actual change is relatively small, going from 5% to 6.5%."
Also Read: Know The Stages, Symptoms, Risk Factors And Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease
Role Of Genetics
According to the National Institute of Ageing, Alzheimer's disease does not have a sole genetic cause. Instead, it is often influenced by a combination of multiple genes interacting with lifestyle and environmental factors.
There are currently at least 80 genetic areas associated with this disease, of which the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the most well-known gene that influences Alzheimer’s risk. It helps carry cholesterol and other types of fat in the bloodstream, and problems in this process can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s, as per the health body.
Dr Kapoor said, “It's crucial to note that not all individuals who develop Alzheimer's have a family history of the disease. Nevertheless, those with a parent or sibling diagnosed with Alzheimer's face a higher risk compared to those without such familial associations.”
“While age, family history, and heredity are inherent risk factors for Alzheimer's, emerging research suggests other factors that may play a role in the development of this condition. Notably, head injuries have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. To mitigate this risk, individuals can take precautions such as wearing seat belts, using helmets during sports, and making homes fall-resistant,” she concluded.