National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Late-Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease


Subtypes:
Alzheimer disease type 2
This disease is grouped under:
Late-onset familial Alzheimer disease, is a form of familial Alzheimer disease, that begins after age 65. In general, Alzheimer disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes gradual loss of memory, judgement and the ability to function socially. The exact underlying cause of late-onset familial AD is not completely understood; however, researchers suspect that it is a complex condition, which is likely associated with multiple susceptibility genes in combination with environmental and lifestyle factors.[1] A gene called APOE has been studied extensively as a risk factor for the disease. In particular, a variant of this gene called the "e4 allele" seems to increase an individual's risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer disease (people who have this allele are said to have the late-onset familial AD type 2). It is important to understand that APOE is a susceptibility gene, not a determinative gene, which means that people  having two copies of this allele have an increased risk of having AD but not necessarily will have it.[2]  There is no cure for AD. Treatment is supportive and based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.[1]
Last updated: 5/5/2017

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Patient Registry

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Community Resources

  • The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has information on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues related to this condition. JAN is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the U.S. Department of Labor.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Late-Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Late-Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Alzheimer Disease Overview. GeneReviews. September 24, 2015; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1161/. Accessed 9/30/2015.
  2. Alzheimer Disease. Genetics Home Reference. May, 2013; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=alzheimerdisease. Accessed 9/30/2015.
  3. Sherva N & Kowall NW. Genetics of Alzheimer disease. UpToDate. 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/genetics-of-alzheimer-disease.
  4. Sherva N & Kowall NW. Genetics of Alzheimer disease. UpToDate. 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/genetics-of-alzheimer-disease.