DNA Alzheimer’s Disease Test
$195.00
Find out if you’re at risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
The Alzheimer’s Disease DNA Test determines whether you carry the APOE e4 variant, strongly linked to an increased lifetime risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with this variant have a 3X to 15X increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Alleles Tested
APOE e2, APOE e3, APOE e4
DESCRIPTION
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and other crucial mental functions. Late-onset AD, which accounts for over 90% of cases, typically manifests after the age of 65.
AD-affected brains display two abnormal structures, known as plaques and tangles, which are the primary suspects for increasing cell death and tissue loss.
Plaques are composed of beta-amyloid protein, which impedes communication between nerve cells. Tangles form when tau, a protein that typically forms parallel strings within nerve cells, disintegrates into a twisted structure. Without the appropriate tau tracks, cells are unable to transport necessary nutrients and other essential supplies.
The accumulation of plaques and tangles is responsible for the cell death seen in AD brains. Take this test to determine if you are at risk of AD and begin making changes to maintain your brain health.
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 DISEASES
- 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
- On the positive side warrior gene carriers are
- Better at making risky financial decisions
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