The Role of Family History in Dementia Risk: When To Get Tested

Dementia, a condition characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss, is a growing concern, affecting millions of people and their families worldwide. With its prevalence on the rise, understanding the factors that contribute to the risk of dementia has become more important than ever.

At the end of the day, age remains the most significant risk factor for acquiring dementia. However, other factors, including ethnicity, smoking and alcohol use, and the existence of other health conditions, may also play a role.

Another important risk factor is family history. But how does having a relative with dementia impact your own risk? And when should you consider getting tested? Below, we explore the answers to these questions and provide practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your health.

Does Dementia Run in the Family?

Having a close relative with dementia, such as a parent or sibling, can increase your risk of developing the degenerative condition. This is because researchers have identified several key genes that may be involved.

While we may focus on the experience of our close family members, research further suggests that our more distant relatives, such as aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even great-grandparents, may also influence our risk of dementia. So, when assessing your own risk, you should consider your broader family tree, as patterns of dementia across generations can provide you with valuable insights.

However, it’s important to point out that family history alone doesn’t mean you are going to develop dementia. Instead, it serves as an indicator—a signal to pay attention to your other potential risk factors and make changes where possible to mitigate your risk.

When Should You Consider Genetic Testing?

While genetic testing can give you helpful insights into your risk, it’s a complex decision that requires careful thought.

If you have a strong familial history of dementia, then genetic testing may be appropriate, particularly if you have multiple close relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who developed dementia at a relatively young age (before the age of 65 years). In this scenario, genetic testing may allow you to identify a potential inherited cause that may help influence your lifestyle choices moving forward.

Also, if you have a family history of early-onset dementia and are considering having children, genetic testing may provide you with useful information about the risk of passing on a genetic mutation to your future offspring.

But remember genetic testing will only point out a susceptibility towards inheriting dementia; it can not be used to predict whether you will get it.

Early detection and intervention are key to successfully managing dementia. At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, we offer comprehensive Dementia and Alzheimer’s screenings to help individuals and their families better understand their cognitive health and take proactive steps toward maintaining their well-being. Contact us today to find out more.