We can test for Alzheimer’s genes. When will we be able to treat it?

Recently, my father subscribed to a service that allowed us to mail in a cheek swab to learn about our genetic ancestry. I learned that I belonged to Haplogroup R—a type of ethnic branch on our genetic tree—that I am German and Polish (which I knew), and by a small fraction Ashkenazi Jewish (which I didn’t know), and I received a colorful map of my ancestors probable traipses through Europe.

But though it was an option on the test, my father did not want to know about our risk for Alzheimer’s, it turns out. And for good reason—there is not a single meaningful drug to treat Alzheimer’s.

Read the full, original story: Why Can’t We Prevent Alzheimer’s?

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