Robert C. Green, MD, MPH - Revisiting the Role of Genetic Testing in Patients at Risk for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: How Will the Latest Evidence and Evolving Management Paradigm Impact Treatment

Go online to PeerView.com/AQF860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) has a substantial genetic component, with heritability estimated to be between 40% and 80%, and the APOE ε4 allele is the strongest individual genetic risk factor for LOAD. Until recently, the APOE genotype test has been primarily used as a research tool and not recommended for clinical use. However, with the recent advances in disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), including several anti–amyloid monoclonal antibodies approved or in late-stage development, it is more important to determine which patients have the APOE ε4 allele and whether these patients are at an elevated risk of developing amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). In this activity, based on a recent live webcast, experts examine the significance of APOE ε4 carrier status on the risk for developing LOAD, as well as the potential implications for patient care, including the increased risk for ARIA in patients taking anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies. They provide guidance on identifying patients who may be candidates for genetic risk testing and share their best practices for interpreting and disclosing APOE test results and providing appropriate genetic counseling to patients and their families. Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to: Recognize the significance of APOE ε4 carrier status on the risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and the potential implications for patient care; Identify patients who may be candidates for genetic risk testing, and provide guidance on the benefits and limitations of direct-to-consumer testing versus genetic testing that is performed in a healthcare setting; and Interpret and share genetic risk test results with patients and their families in a clear, understandable manner, and tailor genetic counseling services to individual patients’ needs in consultation with other members of the healthcare team.