Genetic testing is usually considered when a person might be at higher risk for a particular condition. Here we help you explore whether you may be at greater risk of getting Alzheimer's Disease based on your family history.

Everyone is at risk

The average risk of getting Alzheimer's by the time a person turns 70 is about 1 out of every 20 people will develop Alzheimer's. By the time a person reaches 85 the risk is about 6 out of every 20 people.

A family history of Alzheimer's may increase your risk

If any of your parents, brothers or sisters have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, your chance of developing this disorder increases by as much as two or three times. If several family members have late onset Alzheimer's, your risk can be even higher.

Limitations to what you can learn from family history:

• Alzheimer's Disease is hard to diagnose and may have been misdiagnosed in your family member.
• A family member who died at a relatively young age might have developed Alzheimer's had they lived longer
• Non-inherited factors such as smoking, diabetes or head injuries may be involved.

Gather your family history

To determine if your family history may put you at higher risk, you need to know if anyone in your immediate family (parents, brothers and sisters) has or had late onset Alzheimer's.

Once you've collected your family history click the "Question Summary" link to continue.