Should I Get Genetic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease?

According to World Alzheimer's Report 2022

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Although strongly hereditary forms of Alzheimer’s disease are fairly rare, it is possible to identify a specific genetic cause for early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease. If such a cause is found in the affected family member, genetic testing becomes an option for relatives to consider.

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Commonly reported personal motivations for genetic testing:

• Presence of symptoms
• Find out about personal risk
• Find out risks for other family members
• Reduce worry
• Help with future planning
• Find out about possible medical, prevention, or treatment interventions
• Aid research
• Advice from physicians
• Advice from family or friends

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Commonly reported reasons for declining genetic testing:

• Emotional impact on self or family members (fear, anxiety, depression, influence on life decisions or plans)
• Can emotionally cope with having increased risk without testing
• Prefers to postpone (ie. until after childbearing, children grown)
• Too preoccupied with other psychosocial problems
• Time constraints
• Unclear benefits of risk assessment and of genetic testing
• Concerns about insurance discrimination
• Cost of the test

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If you're thinking about genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease and or any other form of dementia, it is important to get help from a healthcare professional or a genetic counselor.

• They will help you find out whether genetic testing is relevant for you based on your family history.
• They will also help make sure you understand the testing process and important considerations before getting tested.

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To learn more about Alzheimer's disease and genetics please visit: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet