Familial

Familial is a term used in medicine to refer to conditions that tend to occur more frequently in family members than in the general population. This can be due to a variety of factors, including shared environment, lifestyle, or genetic inheritance.

Definition

Familial refers to something that is passed down through families. In medicine, a familial disease is one that is more common in certain families due to genetic factors. This does not necessarily mean that the disease is hereditary, but there is a higher risk for individuals who have a family member with the disease.

Familial Diseases

There are many diseases that can be considered familial. Some of these include:

• Familial Alzheimer's disease
• Familial breast cancer
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Familial Mediterranean fever
• Familial adenomatous polyposis

Genetic Factors

In some cases, familial diseases are caused by specific genetic mutations that are passed down from parents to their children. These mutations can increase the risk of developing the disease, but do not guarantee that the individual will develop the disease.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

In addition to genetic factors, environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to the risk of developing a familial disease. These factors can include diet, exercise, exposure to toxins, and other lifestyle choices.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of familial diseases often involves genetic testing to identify potential mutations. Treatment can vary widely depending on the specific disease, but often involves managing symptoms and reducing risk factors.

See Also

• Genetics
• Hereditary disease
• Genetic testing
• Genetic counseling