A Genetic Test That Reveals Alzheimer's Risk Can Be Cathartic Or Distressing
In a waiting room at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, a 74-year-old woman named Rubie is about to find out whether she has a gene that puts her at risk for Alzheimer’s.
“I’m a little bit apprehensive about it, and I hope I don’t have it,” she says. “But if I do, I want to be able to plan for my future.”
The gene is called APOE E4, and it’s the most powerful known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s after age 65.
APOE E4 doesn’t cause the disease, and many of those who carry it never develop Alzheimer’s.
Still, about 1 in 4 people who carries a single copy will develop Alzheimer’s by 85. Among people who get two copies (one from each parent) up to 55 percent will develop Alzheimer’s by age 85.