Testing for Alzheimer’s genes forces difficult decisions

APOE4 is the most common genetic factor associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. — Photos: TNS

Last year, Barbara’s husband thought it would be fun to learn more about their family’s history, so he bought 23andMe gene-testing kits for himself, Barbara and their three daughters for Christmas.

Once she understood it, Barbara realised the information in that report was devastating. She has a much higher risk than most people of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia with no cure and no good treatment.