What is DIAD?

Find out about this rare inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease.


Dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (DIAD) — also known as autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease — is a form of dementia caused by rare, inherited gene mutations. A person born with one of these gene mutations not only develops Alzheimer’s disease typically before the age of 60, but has a 50-50 chance of passing the mutation on to each of his or her children. The disease is identifiable through genetic testing.

DIAD is not the more common form of Alzheimer’s that appears later in life. You should consider learning more about DIAD if:

  • You are at least 18 years old AND have a parent or other relative with dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (someone with a genetic mutation on one of three genes — PSEN1, PSEN2, or APP)
  • Your family has two generations of Alzheimer’s disease that starts younger than age 60