Abstract
Two hundred and three children and siblings of patients with Alzheimer'sdisease (AD) (age range: 30-92 years, 75% female) were surveyed regardingpotential predictive testing options for the disorder. A mailedquestionnaire posed various hypothetical scenarios and assessed thefollowing variables: interest in testing, perceptions of its pros and cons,and psychological and demographic predictors of test intentions. In 5 of 6scenarios, a majority of participants expressed intentions to pursuetesting, with perceived pros outweighing cons. The most important reasonsfor seeking testing were informing later-life decisions and planning futureAD care. Predictors of test intentions were male gender,information-seeking style, higher perceived AD threat, and appraisal oftest pros versus cons. Situational factors such as available treatmentoptions and certainty of test information also affected responses. Resultssuggest a positive view of predictive testing, with its limitations andrisks underrated. Study findings may inform AD genetic counseling andhealth education efforts.