NEW YORK,– With the growing popularity of at-home genetic testing kits as holiday gifts, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is advising consumers about what to know before taking a genetic test to learn health information.
At-home genetic testing kits provide information about ancestry and, potentially, genetic risk for medical conditions. Use of the kits is growing; one company reportedly sold an estimated 1.5 million kits from Black Friday through Cyber Monday in 2017. However, there are potential longer term implications individuals should consider.
“Genetic testing kits are a popular gift, but the test results can have implications that last long after the holidays,” said Lori Frank, PhD, a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board. “As with any health decision, consumers should have the right information before deciding to take a genetic test.”
AFA advises consumers of the following before getting a genetic test:
AFA and its Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board published recommendations in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, and a related statement about ways to better protect consumers. More information on both can be found here.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA):
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide in the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.