If your dad had Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it’s normal to worry about your own future. The good news is this: having a family history does not mean dementia is inevitable . While genetics matter, research shows that daily habits, health conditions, stress levels, and even emotional well-being play a much larger role than most people realize. As a physician—and as someone who spent six years caregiving for parents, including a father with Alzheimer’s and