With most types of dementia, the disease is not inherited by children or grandchildren. In rarer types of dementia there may be a genetic link, but these are only a very small proportion of overall cases of dementia.
Age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer’s, which is why this disease is most common people in their late 70s and 80s. Having a parent or grandparent with Alzheimer’s disease at this age does not change/increase your risk compared to the rest of the population. However, if someone has developed Alzheimer’s at an earlier age (when they are less than 60 years old) there is an increased chance that this type of Alzheimer’s disease is hereditary.
For more information or if you wish to discuss care for your loved one please email care@greensleeves.org.uk