It depends. In some cases, Dementia can run in families with certain genes being passed down, which can increase the risk. However, in other cases, lifestyle and environmental influences play a big part in the development of Dementia.
If your family member is diagnosed with Dementia, early screening, and proactive measures, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors, can help reduce the chances of developing Dementia in other family members.
However, if you’re looking for ways to support your loved one, you can provide specialized care services from top-rated communities for assisted living in California to manage the symptoms. The communities offer expert services tailored to deal with Dementia.
In this blog, we’ll find out if hereditary factors contribute to the risk of developing Dementia in an individual.
Understanding Dementia and Its Causes
Dementia is a group of symptoms in an individual that gradually leads to the loss of neurons, causing shrinkage in brain cells.
The common signs of Dementia include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Poor Judgment
- Mood Swings
- Personality Changes
Dementia is generally classified as:
- Neurodegenerative Dementia – Alzheimer’s disease & Lewy body Dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Mixed Dementia
- Vascular Dementia
What’s The Difference Between Family History And Inherited Conditions?
A family history of Dementia means that one or more members have had Dementia in the family, which increases the likelihood of developing the disease but doesn’t necessarily mean it is inherited. However, inherited conditions refer to the genetic mutations that influence the likelihood of Dementia being passed down to the families.
| Aspect | Family History of Dementia | Inherited Conditions in Dementia |
| Risk Factors | Shared genetics, environment, or lifestyle | Inherited genetic mutations |
| Inheritance | No | Passed down through generations via specific genes. |
| Impact | Increases the chances of developing the disease, but it’s not guaranteed. | Genetic mutations increase the chance of developing the disease. |
What Percentage of Dementia is Genetic?
About 45% of Frontotemporal dementia cases have atleast one relative with the disease. Dementia can develop under age 65 due to genetic mutations in genes like APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. Individuals with one copy of the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 mutated gene from either parent will likely develop the disease in their 40s or 50s.
However, in some individuals, Dementia is caused by a combination of genetic variants. The most significant risk factor is the APOE gene. While the APOE ε4 allele increases susceptibility, APOE ε2 and APOE ε3 offer protection. Communities for assisted living in California can help provide the necessary support to individuals living with Dementia.
Factors Responsible for Causing Dementia
Several key factors contribute to the development of Dementia, including:
- Age: Changes in the brain start occurring as you start aging. The cognitive functions decline, and risk grows substantially as you enter your 60s, 70s, or beyond.
- Genes: Risk genes and faulty genes play a significant role in Dementia. Risk genes increase the likelihood of developing Dementia, while faulty genes passed down from parents directly heighten the risk.
- Medical History: An individual’s medical history of having cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, chronic smoking and alcohol use, or neurological conditions has a higher risk for developing Dementia.
- Environmental Factors: Higher Dementia risk is also associated with lifestyle choices like poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, poor sleep quality and sleep disorders contribute to an increased risk of Dementia.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia If It Runs in Your Family?
Here are a few considerations you should keep in mind to reduce your chances of developing Dementia:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, avoid excessive amounts of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats in your diet. These contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of cognitive decline in an individual.
Exercise Regularly
Engage in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. These aerobic activities improve blood flow and stimulate new cell growth in the brain. In addition to regular exercises, try to stay active throughout the day.
Keep Your Brain Mentally Active
Take up new hobbies, read books, or play games to stimulate your brain. Moreover, socialize with friends and family. It reduces the risk of cognitive decline in the seniors.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Keeping all these levels in a healthy range reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of Dementia.
Get Enough Sleep
Establish a consistent sleep schedule of going to bed and waking up at the same time. Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night, as poor sleep quality increases your risk of developing Dementia.
Practice Meditation or Seek Therapy
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or other deep breathing exercises to promote brain health. However, if you experience depression or anxiety symptoms, seek therapies from mental health professionals to improve overall well-being.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. It reduces blood flow to the brain and damages brain cells, increasing the risk of vascular Dementia in an individual.
Stay Socially Engaged
Interact with family, friends, and peers or participate in activities that are both socially engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Regular Health Checkups
Be aware of any changes in your memory or cognitive abilities. You should regularly visit health professionals for checkups. Early detection can help manage the condition.
Conclusion
Having a family history of Dementia in an individual may increase your risk, but it does not guarantee that you will develop the condition. However, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and health management play significant roles in determining your overall risk. You should maintain a healthy diet, stay physically and mentally active, manage chronic health conditions, get enough sleep, and stay socially engaged. It can help you reduce your risk of developing Dementia.
Moreover, if any of your family members are grappling with Dementia, search for top rated memory care facilities near me. You will find many communities for assisted living in California, like Sierra Oak, that offer support to seniors. Contact the Sierra Oaks Assisted Living team and let your loved ones get the best support from the professionals!
Note:- This post was originally published on Sierra Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care: Is Dementia Hereditary?
Author: Laura Parton
Laura Parton is a seasoned writer with over 10+ years of experience specializing in the medical niche. Combining her passion for healthcare with a talent for clear and engaging communication, she crafts content that educates and empowers readers. Dedicated to delivering accurate, impactful information, Laura helps healthcare organizations build trust and connect meaningfully with their audiences.
