The general population lifetime risk to develop dementia symptoms is around 10% to 12%. If a person has a parent, sibling, or child with Alzheimer Disease and no other family history, the risk for that person to develop Alzheimer Disease is around 20% to 25%. The risk value is higher if there is a stronger family history of Alzheimer Disease. Also, if there is a known genetic change in the family that causes Alzheimer Disease, the risk is possibly greater than 25% as well. Each family is different and unique. A genetic counselor or geneticist can help review your family history and determine a more accurate risk for members of your family. Genetic counselors can be found on the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.
Other Questions About Alzheimer disease
- Who else in my family should I test for familial Alzheimer Disease?
- Where do I find other people with Alzheimer Disease?
- What’s my risk to develop Alzheimer Disease if my parent had the disease?
- What is the risk to develop Alzheimer Disease if there is no or limited family history of the disease?
- What is the likelihood that someone has familial Alzheimer Disease?
