Testing for Alzheimer’s Genes
Everyone inherits one set of genes from their mother and another set from their father. Together this combination of genes determines everything that makes us unique. Our hair, height, even personality traits like being shy or outgoing, are all determined by our genes. Genes also play a role in the development of illness.
There is scientific evidence that in some cases, genes can play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, there is a very rare, but strongly inherited form of AD that afflicts people as young as 30 or 40. But the most common gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s is known as “APOE”.
Having one or two copies of “APOE” is known to increase the chance an individual will develop Alzheimer's Disease. However, not everyone who has the APOE gene develops Alzheimer’s. (For more on the genetic links to developing Alzheimer’s, see “Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?”)
Other experimental scientific methods for identifying an individual's risk for developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia are being researched. These include advances in testing a person’s blood or imaging the brain with Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies to get an understanding of an individual's risk. If you are interested in learning more about these advances, ask your NAN Navigator for referral to a "clinical trial site" in your local area or go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and search for "diagnosis".
Because the link between APOE and Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, testing for this gene is not routinely recommended. Currently most insurance companies, including Medicare, are not currently paying for APOE testing.
However, there are genetic tests that are commercially available that include the APOE gene marker. We strongly recommend getting this testing done only if you have access to a physician, genetic counselor, or other knowledgeable provider who can help you interpret your test results and overall risk.
Below is a list of testing companies for APOE and their out-of-pocket costs. Keep in mind that prices and services change over time, so please contact the company to confirm the current details.
Current as of October, 2023
Please talk with your own/loved one’s healthcare provider before using any of this information.
