From the National Institute on Aging…
Families have many things in common, including their genes, environment, and lifestyle. Together, these things may offer clues to diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that can run in a family.
A doctor may ask the patient to make a family health history. A family health history can help a person know if Alzheimer’s disease runs in the family. It lists health facts about a person and close relatives. It is a written record of:
- A family’s health conditions
- Lifestyle habits like smoking and exercise
- Where and how family members grew up
A family health history can show patterns of disease and risk factors. Try to include health facts about three generations—grandparents, parents, and children.
Remember, just because family members may have Alzheimer’s, it doesn’t mean you’ll have it, too. Learn more about how Alzheimer’s in the family may mean you’re at higher risk in this infographic.
Last Updated on April 28, 2020
