Alzheimer's Risk: Ignorance Isn't Bliss
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Would you want to know if your genes put you at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease? New research suggests knowing may not be so bad after all. In a report published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers tested 162 individuals who had a parent with Alzheimer's disease. These participants received an educational session about Alzheimer's disease and genetic testing, after which they were tested for Apolipoprotein E (APOE), a gene linked to an increased risk of the disease. Researchers followed participants for a year, measuring levels of anxiety, depression and test-related distress at six weeks, six months and one year. They found that although levels of test-related distress were higher at six weeks, levels of depression and anxiety remained stable and on par with individuals who did not test positive for the gene. Although researchers note that participants received the news from specially trained genetic counselors and were pre-screened for emotional problems that could cause complications, these findings suggest that overall, the disclosure of genetic risk may not be psychologically harmful.
ABSTRACT: Disclosure of APOE Genotype for Risk of Alzheimer's Disease SHARE:
Posted In: Alzheimer's Disease | Tags: Alzheimer's Disease | Dementia | Posted by FindCounseling.com Staff on July 17, 2009 at 04:12 PM | Permalink |
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