How prominent is Alzheimer's in genetics? Is it definitely passed down through generations in every instance?

Hi Beth,

Thank you for sharing your question about Alzheimer's with the EmpowHER community! People who have a relative with the disease have a higher risk of developing it themselves according to an article from the EmpowHER community on The Genetics Behind Alzheimer's Disease. 

According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, the causes of late-onset Alzheimer's are not yet completely understood, but they likely include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence a person's risk for developing the disease.

Beth, genetics play a major role in Alzheimer's, but I can't say with 100% certainty that it is passed down in every instance. Although a blood test can identify which APOE alleles a person has, it cannot predict who will or will not develop Alzheimer's disease. It is unlikely that genetic testing will ever be able to predict the disease with 100 percent accuracy because too many other factors may influence its development and progression according to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

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Best,

Kristin