Genetics, Family Dynamics and Well-Being
Genetics, Family Dynamics and Well-Being

Summary/Abstract: As our understanding of human genetics increases, social workers and family gerontologists would do well to take into account the role of genetic legacies in family dynamics and well-being. To illustrate the importance of genetic factors in the context of mid- and late-life families, we draw on findings from a 5-year, 2-wave study of “anticipatory dementia,” the personal concerns that individuals have about developing Alzheimer’s disease. Epidemiological research finds that having a parent with Alzheimer’s heightens the probability of dementia occurring in succeeding generations. Data from our study show that being an adult child of a parent with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s translates into significantly higher levels of personal concerns about developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to a matched group with no parental history of the disease. In turn, these personal concerns are associated with lower levels of well-being. Other findings are used to further illuminate the implications of “genetic status” for family dynamics and well-being.

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