More individuals whose parents had Alzheimer's disease carried the APOE ?µ4 gene, known to be associated with the condition, than did those with no family history (47 percent vs. 21 percent). In addition, those with a family history had higher systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressures, a lower ankle brachial index (ratio of ankle to arm systolic blood pressure, a sign of artery disease) and higher levels of several different pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Other cardiovascular risk factors ”such as high blood cholesterol and glucose levels ”were not associated with parental Alzheimer's disease. These other components may not be as closely linked to cognitive decline, the authors write.

"Our study shows that high blood pressure and an innate pro-inflammatory cytokine response in middle age significantly contribute to Alzheimer's disease," they continue. "As these risk factors cluster in families, it is important to realize that early interventions could prevent late-onset Alzheimer's disease. One could argue for a high-risk-prevention strategy by identifying the offspring of patients with Alzheimer's disease, screening them for hypertension and vascular factors and implementing various (non)pharmacological health measures."

Source VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam