Free Webinar Sign Up →

X icon to dismiss the notification banner.

New Children's Book! Shop →

X icon to dismiss the notification banner.

New Sweatshirts! Shop →

X icon to dismiss the notification banner.

Fall Prevention Webinar Sign Up →

X icon to dismiss the notification banner.

New Puzzle Subscription Learn More →

X icon to dismiss the notification banner.

Dementia MasterClass Enroll →

X icon to dismiss the notification banner.

Free Support Community Join →

X icon to dismiss the notification banner.
Pre-orders open! View Products →
X icon to dismiss the notification banner.

Should I Get Genetic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease?

February 1, 2023
February 1, 2023
Posted by
Bre'anna Wilson
February 1, 2023
Listen to podcast audio.
Watch the video.

Originally posted in the Bambu Care Champions community.

According to World Alzheimer's Report 2022


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.


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


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


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.


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

For early access to more content like this, considering joining us in the community! It's free :)

Explore.
You may like these too.

March 6, 2023
March 6, 2023

10 Dementia Helplines You Need to Know

March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023

Using Dementia Care Cards to Improve Communication

February 17, 2023
February 17, 2023

Frontotemporal Dementia: Help is Available

December 16, 2022
December 16, 2022

Why Won't A Person with Dementia Shower?