My grandmothers both had Alzheimer's, but my father had vascular dementia. All lived into their eighties and the symptoms didn't develop until they were in their early to mid eighties. That said, we were never given a specific reason for my grandmothers' Alzheimer's, though both had some small strokes just before the symptoms became noticeable. One grandmother had major strokes prior to the Alz., and she definitely presented the most symptoms after that.

I do have to keep an eye on my own vascular issues as that's a pretty strong trend in my father's family, but I'm in my mid-fifties now and haven't seen any of the problems he had by this time. My mom is mid-eighties now and has been displaying progressive signs of dementia for 2-3 years now. No Alzheimer's, though.

I agree strongly with Gerry Lane's thoughts above, and plan to take care of myself and keep my doctor in the loop with any concerns which may develop.

Best wishes,
Joan