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March 31, 2026

Is dementia hereditary?

Jonathan Garza, MD

Medically reviewed by:
Jonathan Garza, MD

Read on to learn more about dementia, including its genetic link.

Dementia is a widespread condition that touches many lives. While this health condition can be intimidating, knowledge is power. When you understand the underlying causes of dementia, you can stay informed. This can help you reduce your chances of developing this life-changing health condition.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a broad term. It refers to changes in the brain. Symptoms of dementia include problems with cognition, memory, problem-solving ability, and language skills. Dementia can also cause changes in mood. It can cause people to become confused and to have problems with communication. It also causes difficulties navigating daily life. Some increased forgetfulness can happen as you age, but dementia exceeds the level of what is “normal.”

There are many different types of dementia. By far the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1

Beyond Alzheimer’s disease, there are other causes of dementia. These include the following:

  • Vascular dementia (the second most common cause of dementia)
  • Lewy Body dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease dementia
  • Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD)
  • Mixed dementia

How is dementia diagnosed?

It can be difficult at first to determine what type of dementia you or a loved one may be experiencing. This is because many of the signs and symptoms of dementia are common among the different types of the condition. There may also be an overlap between symptoms of dementia and other medical conditions. Many signs and symptoms come on slowly and progressively, which means you may not notice them until they have been present for some time.

To diagnose dementia, a healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history. They will review your risk factors (environmental or genetic) and do a physical exam. Blood and urine tests may help rule out other conditions. For example, a urinary tract infection could cause dementia symptoms. Other helpful tests include cognitive and behavioral tests, brain imaging tests or tests of your spinal fluid.2

Can dementia be passed down through families?

Yes, certain types of dementia can be passed down through families, but the majority of dementia cases are not thought to be genetic. The types of dementia that may have at least some degree of hereditary linkage include:

  • Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (onset before age 65). Some genes may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease at a young age. People who inherit certain Alzheimer’s genes may have a 10 to 15 percent likelihood of developing the condition.3
  • Huntington’s dementia. Unlike other types of dementia, Huntington’s disease has high heritability. This is because it is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that if one of your parents has the condition, you have a 50 percent chance of inheriting their mutated gene and developing the disease. If both parents have this condition, you will certainly develop the disease.
  • Familial prion disease. This type of dementia is also inherited in a dominant pattern. This means that if a parent has this type of dementia, you have a 50/50 chance of also having the condition. Familial prion diseases include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), among others.
  • Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Researchers believe frontotemporal dementia is a genetic condition. One third of people with FTD have a family member who also has the condition.
  • Other types of dementia, like vascular dementia, may be partially genetic in nature. This is because the conditions that contribute to their development (such as high blood pressure) are thought to be heritable.

Is dementia caused by lifestyle factors, genetics or a combination of both?

So, outside of types of dementia that have clear genetic links, is dementia caused more by nature (environment) or nurture (behavior)? Also, what do researchers say about dementia being caused more by environmental versus genetic factors?

Researchers believe that a mix of lifestyle and genetic factors contributes to most cases of dementia. The biggest risk factor of all for the development of dementia is age. As you age, your risk of developing a dementia condition increases. This risk factor is not a genetic risk factor; instead, it can be thought of more as a fixed environmental or circumstantial risk factor.

While a small number of dementia cases may be related to genes, the majority are not thought to be genetic. Instead, they are more associated with known lifestyle risk factors. Modifiable risk factors for the development of dementia include:5

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Hearing loss
  • Tobacco and alcohol use

Ways to prevent dementia if you have a higher genetic risk

If members of your family have dementia, you will likely want to know how to reduce your chances of developing dementia yourself. This is especially true if they have a type of dementia that is more highly associated with a genetic component.

The good news is that, while some risk factors for dementia are fixed, many are in your control. Almost half of dementias can be either delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes.6

The same healthy habits that can reduce your risk of dementia can also reduce your risk of other chronic health conditions. These include conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Here are the most important ways that you can prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

Pay attention to your diet

In general, the best diet for long-term health emphasizes high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Healthy fats in the form of nuts, avocado and fish are also thought to be neuroprotective (or protective of your brain’s health). Avoiding processed meat may also help lower your risk of developing dementia.7 You can also reduce your risk by limiting added sugar.8

Move your body regularly

Physical activity is crucial. It plays a big role in preventing the development of chronic diseases, including dementia. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity) each week. Strength training can help improve your cognitive function. You can strength train with handheld weights or body weight resistance activities. In fact, recent research shows that weight training twice a week can help protect you from dementia.9

Keep underlying health conditions under tight control

Chronic health conditions can increase your risk of developing dementia. This is especially true of diabetes and high blood pressure. However, you can keep these conditions under good control through medications and lifestyle habits. Regular check-ins with your health care provider to track your health can limit your dementia risk.

Get screened for hearing loss

Hearing loss increases your risk for dementia. If you think you may be having a hard time hearing, it is worthwhile to get evaluated for hearing loss. This is because research shows that correcting hearing loss with a hearing aid can help reduce your risk of dementia.10

Avoid using tobacco and alcohol

If you smoke cigarettes or cigars, it’s never too late to stop to reduce your risk of dementia. The same goes for drinking alcohol in excess. Research has shown that excessive drinking can contribute to the development of dementia. Drinking in moderation may not contribute to dementia risk, but it also may not reduce your risk of dementia, as has been sometimes reported.11

Focus on quality sleep

Sleep deprivation can mimic the signs and symptoms of dementia. When you aren’t sleeping well, you may experience problems remembering things. You may also have decreased problem-solving ability, slower reaction times and even mood changes. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.12 Researchers have shown that getting less than 5 hours of sleep a night can double your risk of dementia.13 To improve your sleep quality, establish a consistent bedtime every night. Wake up at the same time each morning, whether it is a weekday or a weekend. Sleep in a dark, cool environment and avoid using screens before bedtime.

How to learn more about dementia and its genetic association

When you have a family history of certain types of dementia, you have a higher risk of developing dementia. However, healthy lifestyle habits can prevent the majority of dementias. Routine visits with your health care provider can help keep you healthy over the long term. To learn more about getting screened for dementia, get in touch with WellMed today.

References

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