What you need to know about GeneMatch

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GeneMatch’s Goal: Move Alzheimer’s research forward by helping scientists recruit participants who may qualify for prevention studies.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Research

• Research studies are in constant need of participants.
• Scientists do not know exactly what causes Alzheimer’s.
• The APOE gene is our strongest genetic clue.

The APOE Gene

• Each person has 2 copies of the APOE gene.
• There are 3 types of the APOE gene: e2, e3, and e4.
• e4 is a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
• 1 or 2 copies of e4 raise a person’s risk of the disease.
• Having the e4 gene does not mean that a person will definitely develop Alzheimer’s.
• A person with no copies of e4 may still develop Alzheimer’s.

How GeneMatch Works

• GeneMatch tests volunteers for their APOE type.
• Step 1: Taking a cheek swab sample
  
  • We’ll mail you a test kit.
  • You’ll swab the inside of your cheek.
  • You’ll send the swab sample to our lab.
• Step 2: Looking for study matches
  
  • GeneMatch will analyze your sample.
  • We’ll find out which APOE type you have.
  • GeneMatch will use your results to potentially match you with studies.

More about GeneMatch

• The program is entirely free.
• You will not learn your APOE results through GeneMatch.
• GeneMatch may refer you to studies that will require you to learn your APOE test result.
• You can choose not to participate in any study you are matched with.
• We use multiple levels of security encryption.
• Your information will not be added to your medical records.