Alzheimer’s gene testing not necessary

DEAR DR. GOTT: My father has Alzheimer’s disease. Should I be tested for the APOE 4 allele? I would like to know what I’m facing.
DEAR READER: Your short note has a complex answer. I must start by asking some questions. How old is your father? At what age was he diagnosed? What are his symptoms? Is there any doubt of the diagnosis? Is he under the care of a neurologist or other physician familiar with Alzheimer’s disease? Does anyone else in your family have Alzheimer’s or other neurological conditions? How old are you? Are you displaying any symptoms or early-warning signs? The more information readers and patients provide, the more accurate the answers they will receive. Given that I don’t know these things, I can only provide a general overview. [Read more...]