It is estimated more than 55 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Sadly, the number continues to grow.

Dementia Australia states Alzheimer’s Disease is a physical brain condition resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour, as a person’s abilities deteriorate over time.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, but the condition can be managed and some symptoms can be treated.

Dr Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, said Alzheimer’s Disease, like many other conditions, can be passed down through families.

“In terms of family traits, Alzheimer’s Disease has two main types. There’s one form that’s truly inherited in what’s called an autosomal dominant fashion,” he said.

In this type, each child of a parent with Alzheimer’s has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene which leads to early-onset Alzheimer’s, but that is only 1% of all Alzheimer’s Disease.

“The vast majority, though, still has some hereditary influence. Like many other diseases, Alzheimer’s disease can run in families. If you have first-degree relatives with Alzheimer’s disease, your risk may be up three or fourfold over the general population,” Dr. Petersen said.

While the risk increases, it doesn’t mean you’ll develop the disease.

Dr Petersen said to stay involved in intellectual activities, such as reading and playing chess.

Be socially active

“Don’t withdraw. Don’t avoid going out. Stay involved,” said Dr Petersen.

Follow a healthy diet, get plenty of rest and find ways to reduce stress.

“The combination of all these factors may improve your quality of life, and perhaps could postpone any cognitive impairment,” he concluded.