Alzheimer Disease (AD):
Alzheimer Disease (AD): the most common form of dementia. Individuals with dementia have a gradual buildup of changes in the brain that affects memory, language, learning, thinking, reasoning, and everyday tasks. Certain types of AD have a known genetic cause, but most cases of AD are caused by a combination of environment and genetics.
Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease:
Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease: a type of dementia that starts before age 65 and causes a gradual loss of memory and thinking abilities. There are several different genes that can cause early-onset Alzheimer disease, but only a small number of families have a detectable gene change using current genetic tests. Most cases of early onset Alzheimer disease remain unexplained.
Family History:
Family history: Information about health and medical issues in relatives. Family history is one of the most important tools a genetic counselor uses to identify genetic risk. Patterns of specific health issues in an individual’s family history are useful to determine the risk of disease and appropriate genetic testing options.
Genetic Counselor:
Genetic Counselor: a healthcare professional who has training in genetics and counseling who works alongside doctors, nurses, or other members of your healthcare team. Genetic counselors assess your medical history and family history to determine if you are at risk for a genetic or hereditary condition and discuss the implications of available genetic testing options.
Genetic Risk
Genetic risk: the contribution our genes play in the chance that we will develop a certain illness or condition.
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA):
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA): a federal law passed in 2008 that protects people from their genetic information being misused and impacting their health insurance coverage or employment.
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