Sept. 21, 2023—If someone in your family has Alzheimer's disease, you might worry about how the disease will affect them. You might also wonder about your own risk for the disease.
Alzheimer's—a form of dementia that gets worse over time—affects almost 6.5 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But there's still a lot to learn about the disease and its causes.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's is age. The disease occurs most often in people ages 65 and over. But family history and genetics do play a role. Here's what to know.
Alzheimer's and genetics
Research shows that people whose parent or sibling develops Alzheimer's are more likely to develop the disease, reports the Alzheimer's Association. The risk is higher if more than one family member has had the disease.
There are several genes linked to Alzheimer's disease. If a person inherits those genes, they're more likely to develop the disease. But not everyone who inherits genes linked to Alzheimer's goes on to develop dementia—even if they inherit those genes from both parents.
There are some exceptions. According to the Alzheimer's Association, in about 1% of cases, certain very rare genes don't just raise a person's risk for Alzheimer's—they actually cause the condition. These genes are linked to early-onset Alzheimer's.
But in the vast majority of cases, genetics—and family history—form just part of the picture. Other risk factors make a big difference. And that means you may be able to reduce your risk for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
How to lower your risk
You can't change the genes you were born with. And dementia can't always be prevented. But according to CDC and the Alzheimer's Association, there are healthy habits you can start now that may help you prevent or delay dementia.
Bonus: These healthy changes will also help you age well in general—and it's never too late to start.
To help reduce your risk for Alzheimer's:
- If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, work with your healthcare providers to control your condition.
- Keep your weight within a healthy range.
- Be physically active. Include cardio to get your heart rate up.
- If you smoke, make a plan to quit.
- Get enough high-quality sleep.
- Give your brain a regular workout—consider enrolling in a class at a community center or online.
- Protect against hearing loss. And if you do notice trouble hearing, ask your doctor for advice on choosing a hearing aid.
- Get regular preventive care.
Not sure where to get started? Learn more about risk factors for Alzheimer's disease in our health library. And let your doctor know about your concerns. They can help you understand how your health, lifestyle and family history affect your risk for Alzheimer's—and how to choose health goals that are right for you.
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