Alzheimer’s Disease and Inheritance From Mothers

A new study published in the March 1 Journal Neurology indicates mothers with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be more likely to pass the disease to their children. While the authors indicate the findings are preliminary, they identified twice as much gray matter volume reduction in those with a maternal history of late-onset AD than those with a father with the disease or those with no family history.

It is estimated that those with a first degree relative with AD are 4 to 10 times more likely to develop AD themselves compared to people with no family history. Experts believe that a pattern of regional cortical thinning has been demonstrated in persons at risk for AD and that this pattern may be influenced by maternal family history. Investigators found that cognitively healthy people with a mother with AD had significantly increased whole-volume gray matter atrophy and cerebral spinal fluid expansion compared with the other groups.

Investigators hope that understanding how the disease may be inherited could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies.