Recall of disclosed apolipoprotein E genotype and lifetime risk estimate for Alzheimer's disease: the REVEAL Study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether individuals recall their apolipoprotein E genotype and numeric lifetime risk estimates after undergoing a risk assessment for Alzheimer's disease.


METHODS
One-hundred and four participants underwent Alzheimer's disease risk assessment that included disclosure of apolipoprotein E genotype and a numeric lifetime risk estimate.


RESULTS
At six weeks and one year post-disclosure, 59% and 48% of participants, respectively, recalled their lifetime risk estimate, and 69% and 63% recalled their apolipoprotein E genotype. Participants were more likely to remember their genotype than numeric lifetime risk estimate at one year (P < 0.05). Apolipoprotein E epsilon4-positive participants had better recall of their genotype at both time points (P < 0.05). Participants were more likely to recall whether they carried the "risk-enhancing form of apolipoprotein E" than their specific genotype (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that apolipoprotein E genotype, especially the presence of an epsilon4 allele, is more memorable than a numeric risk estimate for Alzheimer's disease. Participants recalled genotype information in a more simplified, binary form. Health professionals testing for complex disorders such as Alzheimer's disease must find an appropriate balance between communicating risk in an understandable format and addressing the probabilistic nature of the information.
Eckert
Susan LaRusse
SL
Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Katzen
Heather
H
Roberts
J Scott
JS
Barber
Melissa
M
Ravdin
Lisa D
LD
Relkin
Norman R
NR
Whitehouse
Peter J
PJ
Green
Robert C
RC
D000328:Adult; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment
D001057:Apolipoproteins E