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Will the genetic test give me useful information?
The test for the gene related to Alzheimer’s disease can detect if you have an increased chance of getting the disease, but it cannot predict for sure if you will get the disease — or if you won’t.
About Gene Tests
In general, genetic tests look for variations in genes that, when present, can lead to an illness or raise one’s chances of developing an illness. Genetic tests are done on small amounts of saliva or blood or by swabbing the inside of the mouth.
Alzheimer’s and the APOE Gene
Alzheimer’s disease can be caused by genes, non-inherited factors, or some combination of both. There is one gene that has been associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It is called the Apolipoprotein E gene – or APOE for short.
The APOE gene has three forms: e2, e3, and e4. The e4 form is the one which is associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The genetic test can tell which form or forms of the gene are present. A person can have zero, one, or two copies of the e4 gene.
If you have one copy of the e4 gene, the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease increases compared to other people and two copies makes the risk higher. Research is ongoing so we don’t know the exact risk. The estimated risk is shown in the following figures.
Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s disease
- The percentages and the purple parts of each bar indicate the chance of developing Alzheimer’s by ages 65, 75 and 85 based on the number of APOE e4 genes.
- The gray parts of each bar indicate the chance of not developing Alzheimer’s.
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General Population by Age 65 by Age 75 by Age 85 -
With 1 copy of APOE e4 gene by Age 65 by Age 75 by Age 85 -
With 2 copies of APOE e4 gene by Age 65 by Age 75 by Age 85
The Gene Test Does Not Offer 100% Certainty
If the e4 gene is present, a person’s risk goes up - but never to 100%.
- Many people who have the e4 gene will not develop Alzheimer’s disease.
- Many people who do not have the e4 gene will develop Alzheimer’s disease.
- Researchers believe there may be additional genes associated with Alzheimer’s that have not been identified yet.
Note: The cost for the APOE gene test currently ranges from $100 to about $400, depending on the laboratory. For greatest accuracy, genetic testing should be done by a CLIA-certified laboratory.
To learn more about APOE Gene Tests see Resources.