Genetic Testing of Alzheimers Disease - Annotated Bibliography Example

Annotated Bibliography for Genetic testing of Alzheimer’s Disease Belluck, P. July 16). Footprints to Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Are Seen in Gait. Retrieved July 17, 2012, from The New York Times Web Site: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/17/health/research/signs-of-cognitive-decline-and-alzheimers-are-seen-in-gait.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&src=recg&adxnnlx=1342634614-PDi0KkD/rY+lJLpV5x/5Wg Several recent studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Vancouver indicated that changes in the way a person walks -decreased speed and decreased control are closely linked to severe decreases in cognitive control. These changes can indicate that affected individuals are very likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Experts feel that the results of these studies may lead to the development of a simple medical test that doctors can use to predict whether or not patients will develop AD. Since many people have expressed interest in being tested for Alzheimer’s disease many scientists are trying to develop a genetic test that may meet these needs. Bird, T.D. (2010). Alzheimers Disease Overview. retrieved July 18, 2012, from Gene Reviews Web Site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1161/ The Alzheimer’s Disease overview gives a definition of the disease, characteristics of it, the process of diagnosing AD, as well as an explanation of how to manage the disease. Various causes of AD and genetic counseling for AD are also discussed. Genetic counseling of individuals with AD and their family members must be tailored to the information available for affected families. This article provides preliminary information on Alzheimer’s disease itself as well an extensive discussion of genetic testing for the disease. Corder E.H. Saunders IS, Strittmatter WJ, Schmechel DE, Gaskell PC, Small GW, Roses AD, Haines JL, Pericak-Vance MA. (1993). Gene dose of apolipoprotein E type 4 allele and the risk of Alzheimers disease in late onset families. Science. 261 (5123), 921-923. This article shows evidence based on a study of 42 families, that those who have the APOE-4 gene are at a greater risk for developing late onset and early onset Alzheimer’s disease. If individuals possessed two copies of the APOE-4 gene that would enough to indicate that they would develop AD by age 80. The study further showed the effects of the APOE-4 and the correlation between increased risk and earlier onset. This is one of many scientific studies that were done to assess risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Fogarty, M. (2001, February, 23). Genetic Testing for Alzheimers Disease in People Without Symptoms. retrieved July 19, 2012, from Genetic Health Web Site: http://www.genetichealth.com/ALZ_Genetics_Testing_in_Healthy_People.shtml In this article Fogarty states that healthy people who have a family history of early onset Alzheimer’s Disease in their families may wish to get tested for AD. Genetic testing is generally recommended primarily for people who have family members with early onset AD because this type of testing is only done for the one gene that is linked to early onset AD. Fogarty briefly discusses testing for predictive genes, testing for susceptibility genes, drawbacks of genetic testing and issues to consider. Preliminary information about the basics of genetic testing is provided. Goldman, J., Catania, J., Hahn , S., Eckert, S., Butson, M., Rubuagh, M., Strecker, M., Roberts, S., Burke, W. Mayeux, R. & Bird, T. 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 June; 13(6): 597–605. doi: 10.1097/GIM.0b013e31821d69b8., 13(6). retrieved July 17, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326653/pdf/nihms365764.pdf Despite the fact that the results of genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease are not the most useful indicators of whether or not individuals will contract the disease, many people request these tests. They generally hope that something can be done if they know in advance that they carry a risk. Few clinicians are willing to address the genetic risks of the disease with their patients. Since there is an increased demand for patient awareness of risk, this article provides guidelines for clinicians so that they can effectively determine genetic risk for AD, identify those who may benefit from genetic testing and effectively provide genetic counseling. The article examines the ways that effective genetic testing for AD can benefit patients and it allows people to examine guidelines pertaining to how this type of test can help people. Gooding , H. Linnenbringer, E., Burack, J., Roberts, J.S., Biesecker, B. & Green, R. (2006). Genetic susceptibility testing for Alzheimer disease: Motivation to obtain information and control as precursors to coping to obtain information and control as precursors to coping . Patient Education and Counseling 64 (2006) 259–267, 64. retrieved July 19, 2012, from http://cirge.stanford.edu/activities/documents/DTCGoodingAlzheimersTesting.pdf Sixty adult children of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease participated in a study investigating the use and impact of APOE4 susceptibility testing. When they were later asked about their experiences by study administrators, most of the participants saw the study as a valuable tool which could help them make health care decisions in the future , leading them to feel more in control of their health. These responses lead administrators to believe that genetic testing may be a useful coping strategy for people at risk. However if genetic testing for AD becomes more widely available doctors need to address the values and limitations of it. The article demonstrates how people can cope when they know they may be at risk for getting AD. Grady, D. (2007, December 26). Testing for Alzheimers In the Absence of a Gene That Says ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ the Value of One That Says ‘Maybe’ Is Questioned . retrieved July 17, 2012, from New York Tines Web Site: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/health/26gene.html For many years the Alzheimer’s Association, doctors and genetic counselors have advised against APOE-4 testing due to the vague nature of test results. However researchers have conducted a study known as REVEAL in which the adult offspring of people with AD are informed of whether or not they have the APOE4 gene as well. The study is long running and administrators are trying to prove that those who know they may be at risk for developing AD are likely to cope well with this knowledge in the long run. The article provides possible evidence that genetic testing for AD may be helpful for those who undergo it. Hemet , P. (2011, July 26,). National, Utah experts caution against Alzheimer's genetic testing in most cases . retrieved July 17, 2012, from The Salt Lake City Tribune Web Site: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52242962-78/alzheimer-testing-genetic-medical.html.csp In new guidelines regarding genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease Utah based experts have determined that while genetic testing is appropriate for families with a history of early onset dementia, genetic counseling needs to be included. They feel that it should not be done in most other instances. Experts argue that even if the tests prove that people are at risk for developing AD, there is no guarantee that they will definitely get the disease and there are no preventive measures for it. The new guideline specifically advises against testing for the APOE gene mutation because there is little predictive value. The potential drawbacks of genetic testing for AD are discussed. Lund, A. (2008, March, 12). A word of caution on genetic tests. retrieved July 18, 2012, from Mayo Clinic Website Web Site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00071 In this article Angela Lund , Dementia Education Specialist for the Mayo Clinic discusses a saliva test that can determine whether an individual has an increased risk for Alzheimers. and states that while people may be inclined to be tested in this way to determine their risks for AD, not enough is known about genetic testing for AD to determine whether or not such a test would be effective. Therefore Lund states that the results of such tests would not be definitive since many people who do not carry the ApoE gene develop AD and others who do have it may not develop the disease. This article explains the process of genetic testing for AD , as well as reasons for not undergoing a genetic test for the condition. Neumann, P., Hammitt,J.K., Mueller,C., Fillit,H.M., Hill,J., Tetteh,N. &Kosik K. Public Attitudes About Genetic Testing For Alzheimers Disease Health Affairs, 20, no.5 (2001):252-264 This article discusses the findings of a survey related to genetics and Alzheimer’s disease. The results showed that 79% of those surveyed stated that they would take a hypothetical genetic test to predict whether they will eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease. Most of the respondents stated that they would take various actions regarding their health care. The results indicated that while most people feel that this information is important but they do not completely understand the significance of the results. It seems that when given the option most people would choose advanced knowledge. Reed, Wenda (2009). Weighing the Benefits of Genetic Testing. Retrieved July 16, 2012, from Seattle Woman Web Site: http://www.seattlewomanmagazine.com/articles/april09-4.htm The article discusses the benefits of genetic testing for various conditions such as cancer, heart disease, Muscular Dystrophy and Alzheimer’s disease. Reed states that many people undergo for certain conditions although the results are not definitive in order to take preventive measures and seek treatment. However regarding Alzheimer’s disease, since most cases of it are not inherited, test results would not be enough to predict the disease and there is no cure it is not necessary to undergo genetic testing for AD. Reed gives an overview of genetic testing and provides insight as to why people would consider it. Genetic Testing. (n.d.) retrieved July 17, 2012, from Alzheimers Association Web Site: http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_genetictesting.pdf The Alzheimer’s Association website provides information regarding genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease. It discusses genetic risk factors for the disease as well as factors to consider prior to undergoing genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease as well as the association’s position on genetic testing for the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is considered a reputable source of information on the disease. Read More