Genetic Link

ksg3812

Hi there! My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his mid 60s. Both of his parents both had dementia and Alzheimer’s. I’m in my 20s and very worried that there is a genetic link. Has anyone else dealt with this? Thank you!

harshedbuzz

Perhaps you should talk to your PCP about a referral to a genetic counselor to discuss your risks.

Alzheimer's Disease (aboutgeneticcounselors.org)

HB

solerdr

I too was worried about getting Alzheimer's as my father, his mother (my grandmother), and my father's grandfather (my great-grandfather), all had Alzheimer's. Plus, I've had a major head injury.

You can get a test to for the ApOE4 gene, which is a genetic marker for Alzheimer's; however, even if you have that gene it does not mean you have to or will get Alzheimer's.

Another thing that helped me as reading the book "Grain Brain" by Dr. David Perlmutter. I read it in 2015 and bought the revised version this year. The revised version is absolutely wonderful!

I HIGHLY encourage you to get that book, read it, and implement what Dr. Perlmutter suggests.

Best,

Damion