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.
No items found.

104 | Housekeeping — The Big Treehouse Announcement!

Sep 27, 2023
0:00
0:00
https://anchor.fm/s/1051ae54/podcast/play/76453237/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2023-8-27%2F348746502-44100-2-b1f03e5ca79d1.m4a

T004 | Guilt-Free Decision-Making

Sep 15, 2023
0:00
0:00
https://cdn-std.droplr.net/files/acc_205555/8atkRC?download&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3DTreehouse-Guilt-Free-Decision-Making.mp3
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.

September 28, 2023

Oral Care for Advanced Dementia: Tips for Total Assistance

September 26, 2023

Assisting a Person with Dementia in Brushing Their Teeth

September 23, 2023

Common Signs of Dental Pain or Discomfort in People with Dementia

September 24, 2023

Facilitating Independent Tooth Brushing in Persons with Dementia

September 22, 2023

What is Korsakoff Syndrome?

September 21, 2023

Common Symptoms & Features of Frontotemporal Dementia