Because late-onset Alzheimer's tends to occur much later in our lives, for most of us genetic testing for susceptibility to it is not urgent.

For Adults to Consider

Adults who have considered genetic testing say it is best to make a genetic testing decision when things are calm enough in your life so you have time to think it through. It can be difficult to think about the future when things are hectic. It's important to be emotionally prepared to deal with any feelings that may arise after testing. If you plan to get tested with family members or share your results with family members, it's important for everyone to be prepared. It can take a little time for everyone to be comfortable with the process.

"I think that if you are living a stressful life trying to make ends meet, if you have got a lot of other things going on in your life, or if you are meeting one crisis after another, then I don't think that is the time to be looking for things that might happen in the future."

- Gladys Rosenthal, Genetic Counselor

Children Should Wait to Get Tested

In general, children should not have genetic testing for diseases that come on later in life unless there is a medical benefit for them. Currently, there is no known medical benefit to children from having APOE testing. The consensus among doctors and genetic counselors is that parents should wait until their children are adults and can decide for themselves, just as you are doing now.