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Informative genetic testing is currently available to only a small number of families with a history of early-onset (younger than 60-65 years of age) Alzheimer disease (AD). For these families, the benefits of genetic testing are limited and are mainly related to the individual’s perception of the psychological advantages of knowing whether or not they are predisposed to develop AD. There remains no cure or effective preventive therapy for AD.

Genetic testing is not feasible for most individuals with AD at this time. Apolipoprotein E gene variations alone cannot be used to predict future disease occurrence. Rare families with a history of early-onset AD might be eligible for genetic testing, while families with multiple relatives affected with late-onset AD (60-65 years of age and older) might be eligible to participate in AD research studies.

Updated June 2019

What is alzheimer disease? 1

Alzheimer disease (AD) is an adult-onset progressive dementia. It is relatively common and the overall lifetime risk of developing dementia is 10-12%. Seventy-five percent of AD cases are sporadic, of unknown cause and usually have late onset of symptoms. Twenty-five percent of AD cases are familial (i.e. ≥ 2 persons in family have AD) and are composed of two types:

  • Early-onset familial AD with a mean age of onset < 60-65 years (<2%)
  • Late-onset familial AD with a mean age of onset of >60-65 years (15-25%)

Three genes have been associated with early-onset familial AD – amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PSEN1), and presenilin 2 (PSEN2). Each of the identified genes is involved in production of the amyloid ß (Aß) peptide, a major component of amyloid plaques. Early-onset familial AD follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.1

While information about the genetic factors involved in late-onset familial AD is limited, this type of AD has been associated with apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene variations. These are considered a risk modifier, especially APOE e4. Some data suggest that a young asymptomatic person with two copies of the APOE e4 allele may have an increased lifetime risk of developing AD and a lower age of onset of AD compared to persons who have only one or no copies of the APOE e4 allele. Approximately 20-25% of the general population carry one or more copies of the APOE e4 alleles.2 Approximately 42% of persons with AD do NOT have an APOE e4 allele.1 APOE e4 is neither necessary nor sufficient for the disease.3

Inheritance of AD is a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. With one affected first-degree relative, the risk of AD is approximately 20-25%.1

Red Flags to consider genetic testing or genetic consultation

Genetic testing for AD is only available for a small number of families with early-onset familial AD, with testing likely to be initiated in a living affected relative. If a gene mutation is found, other family members are eligible for testing for the identified family mutation. Clinical testing is currently not available for late-onset familial AD or sporadic cases. When there are multiple related affected individuals, research testing may be available. APOE e4 testing is not recommended for risk assessment because of low sensitivity and specificity.

Consider a genetics consult for patients with:

  •  AD with age of onset <60-65 years
  •  Late-onset AD and multiple affected close relatives
  •  Close relatives of the above two types of patients
  • A family member who has an identified mutation in the APP, PSEN1 or PSEN2 genes

Click here to connect to your local genetics centre.

What does the genetic test result mean?1

Inheriting a mutation in APP, PSEN1 or PSEN2 gene causes early-onset familial AD.

How will genetic testing help you and your patient?

In the case of genetic testing for early-onset familial AD, a positive test result for a known family gene mutation can result in:

  • Relief from uncertainty
  • An increased feeling of control
  • Opportunity to plan life decisions

A negative test result for a known family gene mutation for early-onset familial AD can result in:

  • Relief from fear of developing early-onset AD
  • Knowledge that children are not at risk for early-onset AD

Are there harms or limitations of genetic testing?

Currently no cure or effective preventive therapy is available if a gene mutation is found. A positive test result for a known early-onset familial AD family gene mutation can result in:

  • Adverse psychological reaction, family issues/distress
  • Confidentiality issues

Insurance discrimination

  • Historically, genetic testing in an asymptomatic individual may have affected their ability to obtain life, disability, critical illness, long-term care and/or extended health insurance. However, in 2017 Canada passed the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GNA) that protects individuals from the use of a genetic test result to prevent them from obtaining insurance.

A negative test result for a known familial early-onset familial AD gene mutation can result in survivor guilt.

When an individual with no known familial gene mutation has genetic testing, a negative result is not a definitive answer.

For review articles on AD see Alonso Vilatela ME et al., Genetics of Alzheimer’s disease. Arch Med Res. 2012; 43(8): 622-31 and Goldman JS et al., Genetic counseling and testing for Alzheimer disease: Joint practice guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Genet Med 2011; 13(6): 597-605.

Other AD resources: http://www.alzheimer.ca/en (Alzheimer Society)

References

[1] Bird T. Alzheimer Disease Overview [Internet]. GeneReviews™ (US); c1993-2019 [updated 2018 Dec 20; cited 2019 May 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1161/

[2] Van Cauwenberge C, Van Broeckhoven C, Sleegers K. The genetic landscape of Alzheimer disease: clinical implications and perspective. Genet Med. 2016; 18(5): 421-430.

[3] Farrer LA, Brin MF, Elsas L; American College of Medical Genetics/American Society of Human Genetics Working Group on ApoE and Alzheimer Disease. Statement on Use of Apolipoprotein E Testing for Alzheimer Disease. JAMA. 1995; 274(20): 1627-1629.

Authors: H Dorman MSc (C)CGC, JC Carroll MD CCFP, S Morrison MS CGC, JE Allanson MD FRCPC and WS Meschino MD FRCPC

Updated by the GECKO team: S Yusuf MS CGC, JC Carroll MD CCFP and JE Allanson MD FRCPC

Disclaimer:

·           GECKO is an independent not-for-profit program that does not accept support from commercial or non-academic entities.

·           GECKO aims to aid the practicing non-genetics clinician by providing informed resources regarding genetic/genomic conditions, services and technologies that have been developed in a rigorous and evidence-based manner with periodic updating. The content on the GECKO site is for educational purposes only. No resource should be used as a substitute for clinical judgement. GECKO assumes no responsibility or liability resulting from the use of information contained herein.

·           All clinicians using this site are encouraged to consult local genetics clinics, medical geneticists, or specialists for clarification of questions that arise relating to specific patient problems.

·           All patients should seek the advice of their own physician or other qualified clinician regarding any medical questions or conditions.

·           External links are selected and reviewed at the time a page is published. However, GECKO is not responsible for the content of external websites. The inclusion of a link to an external website from GECKO should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or the site’s owners (or their products/services).

·           We strive to provide accurate, timely, unbiased, and up-to-date information on this site, and make every attempt to ensure the integrity of the site. However, it is possible that the information contained here may contain inaccuracies or errors for which neither GECKO nor its funding agencies assume responsibility.

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