Overview:
The Parkinson-Alzheimer-Dementia Panel examines 35 genes associated with an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions: Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and genetic disorders that cause dementia. This analysis also includes examination of C9orf72 repeat expansions by repeat-primed PCR (rpPCR), but does not include C9orf72 methylation studies.
Who is this test for?
Patients with a personal and/or family history of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. Warning signs of these diseases include, but are not limited to, abnormal imaging of the brain, difficulty moving or controlling one’s movement, memory loss that interferes with daily life, changes in mood and personality, difficulty having a conversation or completing familiar tasks, and confusion with the time or place.
What are the potential benefits for my patient?
Patients identified with a disease-causing change (a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant) in a gene on this panel have an increased risk of developing the associated neurodegenerative disease. Genetic testing may be beneficial in the planning and decision-making process for treatment, psychosocial counseling, research study enrollment, and support programs for caregivers and patients. Your patient’s family members can also be tested to help define their risk. If a pathogenic variant is identified in your patient, close relatives (children, siblings, and parents) are up to 50% more likely to also be at increased risk.
Additional information for your patient:
Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson Disease, and dementia are conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. They can cause serious complications, such as difficulty moving or experiencing involuntary movements (i.e. tremors), memory loss, and disruption of mental abilities (solving problems, controlling emotions, or chewing and swallowing). Symptoms of these conditions typically begin after the age of 60, however, in some families symptoms can occur as early as the third decade of life. Research has shown that these diseases can sometimes be caused by abnormal changes in our genes, and these genetic changes can be inherited and passed down in families. Having a family history of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or a similar condition may increase your risk of having that condition. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia; however, there are treatments available to provide temporary relief from symptoms. Surgery, such as deep brain stimulation, may also be considered. Genetic testing may identify individuals at increased risk and assist in the planning and decision-making process for treatment, psychosocial counseling, and support programs for caregivers and patients.
To learn more about these conditions, please visit:
Parkinson’s Foundation
NIH-National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
American Parkinson Disease Association
Alzheimer’s Association