• FAQs

The test is an established test that can assess the genetic risk of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease from a simple saliva sample. It is available in the US as the Sampled Alzheimer’s Risk Test powered by genoSCORE™. The test is simple to use and is ideal as an initial test, prior to more invasive and expensive tests.

The test gives predictive information of the genetic risk of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. It uses a technique known as a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) that analyzes over 100,000 genetic variations associated with Alzheimer’s disease. 

You should get the Alzheimer’s Risk Test if you have cognitive concerns, or have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, and would like greater insight into your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The test is simple to use and is ideal as an initial test, prior to more invasive and expensive tests.  

Changes to the brain can occur years and even decades before Alzheimer’s disease symptoms begin to show. However, this test can assess your genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s in later life. With knowledge of your personal risk of developing the disease, you can make the lifestyle changes that could have a significant effect in reducing your risks. 

Individuals with a high test score – at highest risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease - can take actions that could delay cognitive decline and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Such actions include being more physically active, eating healthier, stopping smoking, and drinking less alcohol.

The test provides a risk assessment based on a large number of genetic markers, however a high risk score does not categorically mean that you will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, a low-risk score does not rule out disease development. 

Factors such as lifestyle and other medical conditions can impact the likelihood of future development. However, knowledge of your risk can help you take action by managing key lifestyle decisions.

A Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) is a number that summarizes the estimated effect of a large number of genetic variants on an individual, typically calculated as a weighted sum of gene variants associated with Alzheimer's.

The test is only available through your physician. Please register your interest in the test, and we can put you in touch with you nearest clinic providing the test. Your physician will complete the test and send it to our lab for analysis. Your clinic will keep you up to date with the progress of your sample. Once they receive your test results your physician will take you through what it means, work with you to create an action plan, and answer any questions you may have.

The Alzheimer’s Risk Test uses DNA, as such both samples are equally effective - whichever is more convenient for you. You can provide saliva samples from home if access to the clinic is not possible.

Most existing genetic tests relating to Alzheimer’s disease report on the single gene, APOE, of which the APOE4 variant is considered an indicator of highest risk. Whilst this does give an indication of risk, it is not the whole story for Alzheimer’s disease genetics. A large proportion (40%) of the Alzheimer’s disease population carries two copies of the APOE3 gene variant, generally considered not to carry additional risk for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the Alzheimer’s Risk Test can identify lower risk APOE4 carriers, and higher risk APOE3 carriers. By knowing your status of all the 100,000+ gene variants in the Alzheimer’s Risk Test you are better equipped to take action and slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease than with APOE testing alone.

The Alzheimer’s Risk Test is a highly sophisticated and complex test, generating over 100,000 data points to create the final test score. It is competitively priced and provides valuable information for assessing your risk.

Cytox takes privacy and confidentiality very seriously. The Alzheimer’s Risk Test, and all data associated with the test, is stored in compliance with US and European data security and protection regulations.