Alzheimer's Disease Risk DNA Test

Does late-onset Alzheimer’s disease run in your family?
Find out if you are at risk with this DNA Test.

• Detects the APOE e4 variant strongly linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s
• Individuals with the variant have a 3X to 15X increased risk
• 100% private and confidential online results
• Are you at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease?

 Detailed Description

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and other important mental functions. More than 90% of AD cases are the late-onset form, with symptoms not appearing until after 65 years of age.

Two abnormal structures, plaques and tangles, are detected in affected brains. These are the prime suspects for increasing cell death and tissue loss.

Plaques, made of a protein called beta-amyloid, stop the nerve cells from talking to each other. Tangles form when tau, a protein that normally forms parallel strings inside nerve cells, crumbles down into a twisted mess. Without the proper tau tracks, cells are unable to move nutrients and other essential supplies around.

The build up of plaques and tangles are responsible for the cell death, as seen in AD brains. Take this test to find out whether you are at risk, so you can start making changes to keep your brain healthy.

The Genetics

Variation in the APOE gene is the strongest genetic factor influencing the risk of late-onset AD. This gene encodes apolipoprotein E, which is involved in transporting fats, neuronal growth, nerve regeneration, immunoregulation and injury repair in the central nervous system.

Genetic variants identified in this test: 

There are three common variants (alleles) of APOE, known as e2, e3 and e4. Each of us inherits two copies of the APOE gene. The APOE genotype indicates our risk of late-onset AD:

• e2/e2 – reduced risk
• e2/e3 – reduced risk
• e2/e4 – 3X increased risk
• e3/e3 – does not affect your risk
• e3/e4 – 3X increased risk
• e4/e4 – 10X to 15X increased risk

Understanding your genetic risk for AD can encourage early monitoring and allow drug treatment to begin as soon as possible to delay the progression of the disease.

Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease:

• Memory loss that disturbs daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgement
• Withdrawals from work or social activities
• Changes in mood or personality

 How It Works

Step 1: Order test kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 3: Receive your results online

NOTE: Please provide your email address for reporting results.