3-D DNA strands symbolizing genetic information

Genetics and dementia: What's the connection?

The Bottom Line

  • Most dementias do not run in families or have a strongly genetic cause.
  • Routine genetic testing is not recommended.
  • Most dementias are due to a complex combination of our age, genes, environment, and other lifestyle and medical factors.
  • There are several genes – like APOE e4 – that may increase the chance of developing dementia.
  • Even with genetics as a risk factor, you can still benefit from a range of strategies to help reduce your risk of dementia and promote brain health.

In this webinar recording,  Drs. Tricia Woo and Anthony Levinson demystify the role that genetics and other non-modifiable risk factors play in a person's risk of developing dementia. Discover the difference between sporadic and familial Alzheimer's disease and learn about the role of susceptibility genes in increasing your risk. Learn about genetic testing and who should get a test. Explore how to reduce your risk, delay the onset, or slow the progression of dementia by addressing various modifiable risk factors to reduce damage to the brain and to increase capacity.

 

 

Learn the answers to the following questions:

  • 2:17 What is dementia?
  • 3:41 What causes dementia?
  • 4:16 What are the different types?
  • 6:00 What are the risk factors? 
  • 8:08 How does genetics influence the risk for dementia?
  • 19:20 Should you get a genetic test?
  • 21:27 How do you reduce your risk of developing dementia?
  • 39:45 Is there a link between adult ADHD and Alzheimer disease?
  • 42:13 What gene is involved in dementia for those who have Down syndrome, and can lifestyle factors help reduce their risk?
  • 44:50 How do concussions in early life increase the risk of dementia?
  • 46:39 Can tinnitus increase your risk of dementia? What is the role of hearing loss?
  • 48:35 I have a strong familial history of Alzheimer disease. Should I get genetic testing?
  • 49:45 Will genetic testing determine the exact type of dementia a person has?
  • 53:25 Is there research related to different populations, such as Asians, Black and Indigenous, and their genetic risk for dementia?

Download a transcript of this webinar presentation.

Want to test your knowledge about the role of genetics in dementia? Take this 5-question quiz.

Give us your feedback with this 2-question survey.

Browse all video posts.

This webinar was presented in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton and Halton.

Featured Resources

Get the latest content first. Sign up for free weekly email alerts.
Subscribe
Getting interactive with our brain health through e-learning lessons
When confusion strikes quickly: Recognizing and preventing delirium
Is dementia a vaccine-preventable condition?
Author Details
Author Details

References

  1. Analyze The APOE Gene From 23andMe Raw Data. Xcode Life. Updated November 24, 2022. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.xcode.life/23andme-raw-data/23andme-apoe-genetic-testing-raw-data-analysis/
  2. A New Way of Looking at the Impact of Dementia in Canada. Alzheimer Society. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://alzheimer.ca/cornwall/en/take-action/change-minds/alzheimers-awareness-month/new-way-looking-impact-dementia-canada
  3. Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Fact Sheet. National Institute on Aging. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/genetics-and-family-history/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet
  4. Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS). Government of Canada. Updated August 28, 2023. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/ccdss/data-tool/Age?G=00&V=16&M=1  
  5. Dhana K, Evans DA, Rajan KB, Bennett DA, Morris MC. Healthy lifestyle and the risk of Alzheimer dementia: Findings from 2 longitudinal studies. Neurology. 2020;95(4):e374-e383. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009816
  6. Genes & Dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK: For a Cure. Updated November 2022. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/genes-and-dementia/
  7. Genetics of Dementia. Dementia Australia. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.dementia.org.au/information/genetics-of-dementia
  8. Genetic Testing and Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer Society. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-alzheimers-disease/genetic-testing-alzheimers-disease
  9. Is Alzheimer’s Genetic? Alzheimer’s Association. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors/genetics
  10. Let’s Talk About Alzheimer’s Disease & Genetics. 23andMe. Reviewed by Abul-Husn N. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.23andme.com/en-ca/topics/health-predispositions/late-onset-alzheimers/
  11. Livingston G, Huntley J, Sommerlad A, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2020;396(10248):413-446. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
  12. Myths and Realities of Dementia. Alzheimer Society. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/stigma-against-dementia/myths-realities-dementia 
  13. Paulson HL, Igo I. Genetics of dementia. Semin Neurol. 2011;31(5):449-460. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1299784
  14. Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: WHO Guidelines. World Health Organization. Published on January 1, 2019. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550543
  15. Senanarong V, An SSA, Vo Van G, Limwongse C, Bagyinszky E, Kim S. Pathogenic PSEN1 Glu184Gly mutation in a family from Thailand with probable autosomal dominant early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnostics (Basel). 2020;10(3):135. doi:10.3390/diagnostics10030135

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).