With early Alzheimer's in the family, these sisters decided to test for the gene
For some people, a rare genetic mutation makes dementia inescapable. Three sisters have decided to confront fate with a genetic test and have joined a research project on possible treatments.
In some families, Alzheimer's disease seems inevitable.
"Your grandmother has it, your mom has it, your uncle has it, your aunts have it, your cousin has it. I always assumed that I would have it," says Karen Douthitt, 57.
"It was always in our peripheral vision," says Karen's sister June Ward, 61.
"Our own mother started having symptoms at age 62, so it has been a part of our life."
Nearly a decade ago, Karen, June, and an older sister, Susie Gilliam, 64, set out to learn why Alzheimer's was affecting so many family members.
Since then, each sister has found out whether she carries a rare gene mutation that makes Alzheimer's inescapable. And all three have found ways to help scientists trying to develop treatments
