Summary
Liv Heeney, a woman from Birmingham, learned she carries a faulty gene that could cause early onset frontotemporal dementia, a condition that affected 13 members of her family. This gene makes her likely to develop dementia in her 40s and pass away in her 50s, similar to her mother who died at 54. Liv is considering using genetic testing to ensure any future children do not inherit the gene.
Key Facts
- Liv Heeney found out she has a gene linked to early onset dementia.
- Her mother, Bernie, died from frontotemporal dementia at age 54.
- This type of dementia affects behavior, language, and memory.
- The condition can be inherited, with about 1 in 8 cases linked to genetics.
- Liv's family has a history of dementia; 13 relatives had the condition.
- Liv chose genetic testing to see if she had inherited the gene.
- She learned she carries the faulty MAPT gene through a blood test.
- Liv plans to prevent passing the gene to her children using IVF and embryo screening.
