Disclosing genetic risk for Alzheimer's dementia to individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

View Abstract

Introduction

The safety of predicting conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia using apolipoprotein E () genotyping is unknown.

Methods

We randomized 114 individuals with MCI to receive estimates of 3-year risk of conversion to AD dementia informed by genotyping (disclosure arm) or not (non-disclosure arm) in a non-inferiority clinical trial. Primary outcomes were anxiety and depression scores. Secondary outcomes included other psychological measures.

Results

Upper confidence limits for randomization arm differences were 2.3 on the State Trait Anxiety Index and 0.5 on the Geriatric Depression Scale, below non-inferiority margins of 3.3 and 1.0. Moreover, mean scores were lower in the disclosure arm than non-disclosure arm for test-related positive impact (difference: -1.9, indicating more positive feelings) and AD concern (difference: -0.3).

Discussion

Providing genetic information to individuals with MCI about imminent risk for AD does not increase risks of anxiety or depression and may provide psychological benefits.

Investigators
Abbreviation
Alzheimers Dement (N Y)
Publication Date
2020-03-22
Volume
6
Issue
1
Page Numbers
e12002
Pubmed ID
32211507
Medium
Electronic-eCollection
Full Title
Disclosing genetic risk for Alzheimer's dementia to individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Authors
Christensen KD, Karlawish J, Roberts JS, Uhlmann WR, Harkins K, Wood EM, Obisesan TO, Le LQ, Cupples LA, Zoltick ES, Johnson MS, Bradbury MK, Waterston LB, Chen CA, Feldman S, Perry DL, Green RC,