Is Alzheimer's Inherited Through Your Mother?

According to the Alzheimer's Association, one of the risk factors for developing Alzheimer's is if your mother, father, sibling or child has the disease. Doctors cannot pinpoint if this inherited risk is genetic or environmental. If both your mother and father have Alzheimer's your chances for developing the disease are increased, but not guaranteed.

Significance

• Knowing the risk factors for Alzheimer's is a step you can take to help you prepare for your future. Age is the number one risk factor for developing Alzheimer's. Family history and heredity also play important roles but there are other contributing factors that you may be able to control. Overall health and maintaining an active brain and social life may keep you from developing this disease in your future.

Effects

• The effects of dealing with this debilitating memory thief are felt by everyone associated with the Alzheimer's patient. Families who also care for their affected loved ones know better than anyone the toll this monster takes. Your mother may know you one minute then not at all the next. Independence disappears as the disease progresses. Patients may need help with the simplest daily activities like brushing their teeth or putting on their shoes.

Identification

• Diagnosing Alzheimer's begins as you notice changes in memory and ability to maneuver simple daily tasks. Your doctor will perform a mental status test along with a physical exam. Neurological tests and brain imaging follow for more accurate identification of the disease.

Misconceptions

• Just because your mother has Alzheimer's does not mean that you will inherit the disease. Inheriting Alzheimer's is possible, but it is not the highest determining factor when assessing your risk. There is currently no cure, but there are medications that help you deal with the symptoms of Alzheimer's. As more money pours into research, we will gradually have better symptom control with the hope of a cure a possibility.

Benefits

• If your mother or other family member is dealing with Alzheimer's, the benefits of knowing your own risk factors are great. Lifestyle changes today may lessen the inheritance effect. Not smoking, maintaining your weight and leading an active life are factors you can control now. You may benefit from specific genetic tests that could strongly indicate if you will also develop the disease. Planning ahead for your future well being will give you peace of mind. Any person caring for someone with Alzheimer's knows how difficult it is, so advance preparation can only help.