Worried about Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or other neurological conditions that run in your family? It can be unsettling.
What if you could assess your individual risk? Genetic testing offers a powerful tool to help you understand your genetic predispositions to neurological conditions, potentially years before symptoms appear.
“Many factors, including environment and lifestyle choices, can contribute to the development of neurological conditions,” said Asad Khan, MD, a neuro-oncologist at Endeavor Health. “However, genetics are also a significant factor.”
Genetic testing can help doctors diagnose neurological disorders — sometimes before symptoms even appear — making early intervention and tailored treatment possible. In other cases, your genes can provide insight into your potential risk of developing such a condition in the future.
How does genetic testing work for neurological conditions?
Genetic testing examines the patient’s DNA to find abnormalities in genes that correspond to a specific neurological condition.
There are several different types of genetic testing. There are single-gene tests, multiple-gene tests, and tests that examine the whole genome sequence. Your neurologist will help you determine which test is best for you based on your family history or symptoms, if you have any.
“Your doctor will take a sample of either your blood or saliva to be sent to a laboratory for analysis,” explained Dr. Khan. “It’s not always a fast process. If the test is complex, it may take weeks or months to get a result.”
Sometimes, genetic testing confirms the diagnosis of a neurological disease. Other times, it suggests that a person is at a higher risk of developing the disease in the future — although it is not a guarantee that this will happen.
The benefits of genetic testing
In the right circumstances, genetic testing can be empowering. Knowing your risk of certain neurological disorders can help you make informed decisions about lifestyle changes or treatment options. It can give your family important insight into their own risk, passing the same benefit along to them.
If you are being treated for a condition, genetic testing can help your doctor ensure that your treatment plan is right for you. It helps your neurologist craft the most targeted treatment plan with minimal side effects.
Is genetic testing right for you?
Together, you and your doctor can determine if genetic testing is right for you. It might help to consider a few factors, including the following:
- Will this information enable you to take preventative measures to lower your risk of developing a neurological condition?
- Will your insurance cover the specific genetic test recommended by your doctor?
- Will this information impact members of your family?
- Will this information help your doctor create a more personalized treatment plan?
“Deciding to do genetic testing is a very personal decision,” said Dr. Khan. “It’s best to work closely with your doctor to decide if it’s right due to your specific health concerns or family history.”
Additional considerations
If you and your doctor agree that genetic testing is right for you, your doctor may connect you with a genetic counselor — a healthcare professional with expertise in genetics and trained to guide patients and their families through risk assessments and next steps.
Genetic testing can also present emotional challenges. It can be difficult to navigate the mental and emotional toll of knowing your genetic risk, and that toll can potentially be passed on to family members as well. Working with genetic counselors can help you work through these difficulties.
“It’s also important to note that genetic test results are often complex and may not always provide straightforward answers,” said Dr. Khan. “This is why it’s important to work closely with your neurologist and genetic counselor to determine the best course of action.”
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