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PubMed This is a summary of 106 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Neurology

Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD) Resource Guide

At a Glance

Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD) is an inherited condition caused by specific genetic mutations. This guide helps patients and families navigate genetic testing, understand progression timelines, explore reproductive options like IVF, and access clinical trials.

Receiving a diagnosis or learning that you are at risk for Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD) is a life-altering moment. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, terrified, and uncertain about the future. However, you are not alone, and there is a global community of experts and families dedicated to fighting this disease.

This guide is designed to empower you. It provides a strategic, evidence-based roadmap to help you understand the biology of ADAD, navigate the complex world of genetic testing, plan for your family’s future, and access cutting-edge clinical trials. Knowledge is your strongest tool in taking control of your care.

How to Use This Guide

We recommend reading these pages at your own pace. You do not need to absorb everything at once. Use the links below to explore the topics most relevant to where you are in your journey right now:

01

Understanding Your Path: An Orientation to Early-Onset ADAD

Learn the facts about Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD). Understand the genetic causes, family planning options, and research trials.

02

The Blueprint of Disease: Genetics and Biology of ADAD

Learn about the genetics of Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD). Understand how APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 mutations cause early-onset memory loss.

03

What to Expect: The Timeline of ADAD Progression

Understand the timeline of Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD). Learn about the preclinical phase, Estimated Year of Onset, and early symptom signs.

04

The Path to Certainty: Genetic Testing and Diagnostic Tools

Learn about Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD) genetic testing. Understand predictive testing, counseling, p-tau217 blood tests, and insurance risks.

05

Planning Your Family: Reproductive Options and ADAD

Learn about reproductive options for Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD). Understand how IVF, PGT-M, and exclusion testing can protect your family.

06

The Future of Care: Treatments and Clinical Trials for ADAD

Learn about current treatments and upcoming clinical trials for Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD), including anti-amyloid drugs and tau therapies.

07

Building Your Care Team: Specialists for ADAD

Learn how to build an expert care team for Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD). Discover which specialists you need and how to vet neurologists.

Common questions in this guide

What is Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD)?
ADAD is a rare, inherited form of Alzheimer's disease that typically begins at a younger age than typical Alzheimer's. It is driven by specific genetic mutations that can be passed down from a parent to their child.
Which genes are responsible for causing ADAD?
ADAD is primarily caused by inherited mutations in three specific genes: APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. Genetic testing can help determine if you carry one of these mutations and are at risk for the disease.
Can I prevent passing the ADAD mutation to my children?
Yes, families affected by ADAD can use advanced in vitro fertilization (IVF) paired with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-M). This allows parents to ensure that future generations are born free of the disease-causing mutation.
Should I join a clinical trial if I have no symptoms yet?
Many specialists recommend that individuals at risk for ADAD participate in clinical trials or observational studies, even during the preclinical phase before symptoms appear. These trials provide access to the latest research and emerging proactive treatments.
Who should coordinate my ADAD medical care?
Your care should be coordinated by a specialist who has deep expertise in adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases. This is often a specialized neurologist working alongside a genetic counselor and a multidisciplinary support team.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Who should be the 'quarterback' or main coordinator of my multidisciplinary care team?
  2. 2.Can you refer me to a genetic counselor with specific experience in adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases?
  3. 3.Are there clinical trials or observational studies I can join right now, even if I have no symptoms?

Questions For You

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

This guide provides educational information about Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease (ADAD) and related research. It does not replace professional medical advice, so always consult a neurologist or genetic counselor for personal healthcare decisions.

Get notified when new evidence is published on Early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease.

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