Genetic susceptibility testing for Alzheimer disease: Motivation to obtain information and control as precursors to coping with increased risk

ObjectiveThis study investigated appraisals, including motivation, and coping preferences for undergoing Apolipoprotein E (APOE) susceptibility testing for Alzheimer disease (AD).MethodsParticipants were 60 adult children of individuals affected with AD enrolled in a trial investigating use and impact of APOE susceptibility testing. An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken in which participants were interviewed about their testing experience.ResultsMost participants viewed genetic testing as providing valuable information that could help direct future health care decisions and meet their emotional concerns about living at increased risk. Participants related their motivation for genetic testing to their worries about developing AD, preference to seek information about health threats, and need to feel in control of their health.ConclusionEven without prevention or treatment options, genetic testing may be a useful coping strategy for some at-risk individuals.Practice implicationsOnce testing becomes clinically available, practitioners need to address the value and limitations of testing as well as appraisals and efforts to cope.