Testing is available for both risk and deterministic Alzheimer's genes — though routine genetic testing is not generally recommended.

Genetic tests are available for both APOE-e4 and the rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer's. But routine genetic testing is not currently recommended by health professionals simply because the majority of results don't reveal enough about your chances of developing the disease.

In fact, knowing that you have the APOE-e4 gene may do you more harm than good, making you worry about Alzheimer's when you may never develop it at all. And not having the genes may give you a false sense of confidence, and even contribute to you being less vigilant about avoiding other risk factors for Alzheimer's, such as lifestyle choices and general health management.

However, the choice to undergo genetic testing is yours, and could be more informative if any of your relatives have familial Alzheimer's disease. Just remember to follow up your testing with a genetic counselor, so that you better understand the implications of your results.

To find out about genetic testing in your area, be sure to contact your local branch of the Canadian Alzheimer's Society.

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