Description
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.
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.
Discover More
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 YOUR KIT: Purchase your kit online.
STEP 2. COLLECT & SEND
Quick and painless DNA sample collection in the comfort of your own home. Mail your sample back to our lab for testing.
STEP3. VIEW RESULTS
Receive your results by mail or email, or view online.
Recommended Links:
Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center – A service of the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health.
