Our Guides to Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is an important topic within the familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) community.

Here at Youngtimers, we’ve created guides for people considering genetic testing to find out whether they carry a mutation that causes FAD.

Deciding whether to seek genetic testing

This guide will help you answer the following questions:

How do I know if I’m at risk of familial Alzheimer’s disease?
Am I eligible for genetic testing?
What are the benefits of genetic testing for FAD mutations?
What are the risks of genetic testing for FAD mutations?
What if I’m undecided about genetic testing?

To test or not to test →

What to expect with genetic testing

In this guide, you will learn:

Ways to prepare for genetic testing
How to find a genetic counselor
What you should know about Direct-to-Consumer Testing
What the testing process is actually like
What comes after genetic testing

All about the genetic testing process →

Life after test results

Depending on what you learn from your genetic tests, your experience will be different.

Testing positive →

Testing negative →

Genetic testing: insights from the community

Featured

Jetske's story: Overcoming isolation in the face of familial Alzheimer's genetics

In this interview, we speak with a member of the Youngtimers community who is a public advocate, a researcher and a strong voice for FAD. She has published a book and appeared on television in the Netherlands, sharing her own genetic story to help reduce isolation surrounding familial Alzheimer’s disease.

Karen’s story: Escaping a familial Alzheimer’s disease genetic mutation

In this interview, we hear from a member of a family impacted by FAD. She talks about her father’s experience as an “escapee”, her own experience testing negative for an FAD genetic mutation, and what it means for her involvement in the Youngtimers community.

The weight of knowing: living with one's genetic results for familial Alzheimer’s

In this interview, we hear from a member of the Youngtimers community about her experience navigating genetic testing for familial Alzheimer’s, facing the emotional impact of genetic test results, informing family members, and deciding when to share her truth with others.

Browse All Community Stories