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Smart Genetics Launches New Alzheimer’s Risk Assessment Service for Consumers Alzheimer’s Mirror is first service to offer gene test, disease education, genetic counseling and support
Philadelphia, PA, March 19, 2008— Smart Genetics today announced the launch of a new service to help individuals determine their risk of developing late onset Alzheimer’s, a debilitating neurological disease affecting more than 5 million Americans.
The new service, called “Alzheimer’s Mirror”, is the first of its kind to offer a personalized Alzheimer’s disease risk assessment that takes into consideration an individual’s family history, gender, ethnicity, and APOE genotype, the only clinically-proven genetic indicator of Alzheimer’s risk.
More specifically, Alzheimer’s Mirror includes:
“Our mission at Smart Genetics is to provide people with accurate information about their genetic risk, help them understand and interpret their risk and assist them in using the information to live a better life,” said Julian Awad, Co-Founder and CEO of Smart Genetics. “I watched my grandfather suffer from Alzheimer’s and personally experienced the devastating affects of this disease. I understand why so many people want to know their risk for Alzheimer’s and I am excited to be able to offer them Alzheimer’s Mirror.” Until now, genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease risk assessment has only been available to participants in clinical research studies. Now, Alzheimer’s Mirror has developed an easy and confidential process that allows individuals to take the test in the privacy of their own home. Alzheimer’s Mirror can be purchased online for $399 at www.ALZmirror.com, and a saliva collection kit is sent to the customer’s home. The individual then mails the saliva sample to a CLIA certified laboratory for APOE genetic analysis. Once the analysis is complete, a genetic counselor presents the test results to the individual, making sure they understand and interpret the information correctly. Following this phone consultation, the individual is encouraged to visit a password-protected website where they can access and download the entire risk assessment report; this information also can be shared with a doctor if the customer chooses. This model provides convenience, privacy and confidentiality to the consumer. “Genetic test results can be difficult to understand and interpret for the consumer. In my experience, one of the most effective ways to address this is by offering educational materials and telephone consultations with a certified genetic counselor. This model provides convenience and confidentiality to the consumer,” said W. Andrew Faucett, M.S., C.G.C., genetic counselor and faculty member at a major university. "The Alzheimer’s disease - APOE association is one of the most universal connections known between any genetic risk factor and a common disease," says Dr. Lindsay Farrer, Chief of the Genetics Program at Boston University School of Medicine. "Although the APOE gene test cannot predict with certainty who will develop Alzheimer’s, it can help better frame one's risk of disease when considered together with age, gender and family history." There are important, fundamental differences between Alzheimer's Mirror and its competitors in terms of the genetic test and customer support. For example, the Alzheimer’s Mirror test is the only one that examines all three parts of the APOE gene, each of which is critical to assessing an individual’s overall risk. It is the only test that shows if an individual has the protective version or the higher risk version of the gene. In addition, Alzheimer’s Mirror, which is based on the National Institutes of Health’s REVEAL study, is the only service of its kind that takes into consideration non-genetic risk factors, such as family history, age, and gender so that individuals have a more complete understanding of their risk profile. Alzheimer’s Mirror is being launched at a time when there is growing public interest in genetic tests and increased acceptance among clinicians that, with support and education, consumers can make proper use of their genetic test results. “Studies such as the 2005 Risk Evaluation and Education for Alzheimer’s disease, or REVEAL, have shown us that APOE disclosure can provide information of value and is generally safe when combined with appropriate screening, education and counseling,” said Norm Relkin, M.D., Ph. D., and Director of the Cornell Memory Disorders Program. The REVEAL study shows that with proper education and screening, APOE disclosure is safe and beneficial, and that there is an appropriate market for this service. In fact, REVEAL found that people who learned of their genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease experienced feelings of empowerment and peace of mind. Researchers also found that people wanted to know this information in order to begin preparing themselves and their families for the threat of developing Alzheimer’s. About Smart GeneticsSmart Genetics is a Philadelphia-based, direct-to-consumer genetic testing firm dedicated to providing consumers with meaningful and relevant health-risk assessments. For more information about Alzheimer’s Mirror, visit www.ALZmirror.com or call 1-866-893-1747. |