If both your parents have dementia, you might be worried about your own risk. While having parents with dementia does increase your chances, it doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get it by age 65.
Most cases of dementia aren’t directly inherited. They’re caused by a mix of factors like age, lifestyle, and genes. Only about 1% of dementia cases are due to rare genetic mutations that run in families.
For the more common forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, having a parent with it roughly doubles your risk. If both parents have it, your risk is higher, but exact numbers are hard to pin down. It’s not a simple math equation.
There’s a gene called APOE that can increase Alzheimer’s risk. If you inherit one copy of a version called APOE4, your risk goes up about 3 times. With two copies, it’s 8-10 times higher. But even then, it’s not a guarantee.
By age 65, about 3% of people have dementia. Your risk might be higher with two affected parents, but it’s still more likely than not that you won’t have dementia by 65.
Remember, genes aren’t destiny. Lifestyle choices matter too. Staying physically active, eating well, not smoking, and keeping your mind engaged can all help lower your risk.
If you’re really concerned, talk to your doctor. They might suggest genetic counseling or tests. But for most people, focusing on a healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect your brain as you age.
