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Dementia might run in my family: Can I get tested?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Jan 25, 2021 | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
My husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia about 6 years ago. Later Alzheimer's was added to the diagnosis. In checking with his family, no one remembers any dementia /Alz. in the past generations. However, of 10 cousins and 2 siblings - now in their 70s and 80s - 3 have died of dementia which means that 30% of them experienced vascular dementia. So, that looks like some kind of inheritable fault line.
Replies to "My husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia about 6 years ago. Later Alzheimer's was added to..."
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Good afternoon. The symptoms of vascular dementia are very similar to Alzheimer's disease, but there is no way to know precisely what dementia the three of the relatives passed away from unless they had conclusive autopsies upon death. There may be a genetic link, but that isn't necessarily true. The best thing for everyone to do is to live the healthiest life possible (good diet, exercise and social contact...which right now with the pandemic isn't easy!) I'm sorry to hear about your husband. Caregiving is a tough job. Virginia