Brief Answer:
Yes,it is hereditary;tests are available to catch in time...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

Your ex-wife is being tested for early Alzheimer's onset, while having a daughter of 22 years old and you fear for her.

Please take not that Alzheimer is a hereditary disease. Although its onset is mostly in people older than 65 years old, younger patients being diagnosed are increasing in number.

So, to answer your question, yes, Alzheimer's disease is hereditary (for both early and late onset). You can advise your daughter to get regular neurological exams especially when it comes to cognitive tests.

Hope it answered to your primary question.
Dr.Albana

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Brief Answer:
Explained below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Now, the most important is the neurological exam to evaluate her neurological behavior. If the exam will not indicate anything regarding Alzheimer's disease then there is nothing to worry about.

She is too young to think over Alzheimer's disease. however, as her mother was diagnosed at 47 years old, she can run frequent neurological exams.

There are some genetic tests, but they are still not confirmatory and only used in some clinical trials. The tests will check for the genes that are related to Alzheimer's onset.

If I was her caring doctor would recommend regular neurological examinations at her 40's.

Hope this answered to your question.
Dr.Albana

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