Is Alzheimer’s Disease Hereditary? If So, How Can I Tell If I Am At Risk?
Despite years of research, there is still no definite answer to these questions. Current research suggests that, if you have a relative who has been diagnosed with the disease, your risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life is greater than a person who has no family history of Alzheimer’s. However, having multiple relatives with the disease does not necessarily mean that your family is susceptible to one of the strongly-inherited forms of Alzheimer’s.
Regardless of whether or not your family has a strong history of Alzheimer’s or not, it is of paramount importance that you deal with your personal fears in a positive and constructive way. As difficult as it may seem, you do not want to compromise your quality of life through excessive worry and fear. Living in constant fear about something that may or may not happen in the future can be debilitating.
If you find that you are experiencing excessive fearfulness, you may consider keeping a journal. If this does not help alleviate some of your fearfulness, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional counselor. You do not have to go through this struggle on your own - there are a number of people in your life and in your community who want to help you. Speak to your family members and friends, seek out a support group, and find other ways to get involved with people who are going through a similar experience. It is important that you have a support network you can rely on. You need to surround yourself with people who understand you, as well as people you are comfortable with. Do not let yourself become isolated.
For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Denver elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Denver Probate attorneys.