Genetic Testing For Dementia | Is Dementia Hereditary | Genetic Testing For Alzheimer’s | [Video]

So first question…..Is there a genetic test for dementia?

Yes. It is possible to be tested for single-gene changes and some of the risk variants linked to dementia.

However, genetic testing for dementia is not always appropriate

So When is genetic testing for dementia appropriate?

Now In some cases, it may seem likely that a person’s dementia is caused by a single-gene change – for example,…. if the person has a very strong family history of dementia.

In these cases, it may be appropriate to offer genetic testing to the person and to their family.

But keep in mind… most families dementia will not be caused by a single-gene change.

In these cases, genetic testing will not be appropriate.

This is because testing for risk variants…. (like APOE4) does not provide any certainty about the person’s chances of developing dementia.

There are two different types of genetic testing

These are used for different purposes.

1. A diagnostic genetic test….which is for a person whose dementia is thought to be caused by a single-gene change.

2. Predictive genetic testing ….

So it’s A kind of genetic test that allows those relatives to know if they have the same gene change that will cause dementia in the future.

Genetic tests for dementia risk variants are not recommended.

A person who has risk variants may have a higher risk of developing dementia, but even someone at a higher risk may never develop the condition.

The NHS does not provide testing for dementia risk variants. However, testing kits can still be bought over the internet. These tests are known as ‘direct-to-consumer’ (DTC) tests.