DNA Is Not Your Destiny: Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

This episode explores genetic risk factors for early- and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Host Nathaniel Chin and guest Corinne Engelman discuss the research looking into genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and the uncertainty that comes with genetic testing. Guest: Corinne Engelman, MSHP, PhD, associate professor, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Episode Topics: What are the genetic influences on a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease? 2:07 What genes affect individuals with early-onset dementia? 2:56 What is the impact of genes that counter one another? 5:34 How much can our lifestyle choices affect our genetic risk? 7:52 How is the genetic testing being analyzed? 9:03  What can at-home genetic testing tell us about Alzheimer’s disease? 10:06 How essential is the role of genetic counselor? 11:47 Have we found any genetic risks related to the aging process? 13:21 What advice do you have for people interested in maximizing their genetic outcome when it comes to Alzheimer's disease risk? 14:40