The mouse carries mutated human genes associated with Alzheimer's disease. This is the first animal model to exhibit some of the cognitive as well as the neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease. This model provides an important research tool for understanding Alzheimer's disease and for expediting the testing of potential Alzheimer's disease drug therapies. A degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease raises important ethical questions regarding care, genetic testing, and research. Considerable attention has been given to the ethics of elective genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease, apart from research purposes.
Predictive testing is possible 'in the autosomal dominant genes linked to early-onset families.
The ApoE allele, however, is not absolutely predictive of Alzheimer's disease in asymptoniatic individuals. To date, there is a consensus among most researchers, policy experts, ethicists, and others, that except for autosomal dominant early- onset families, Alzheimer's disease genetic testing should not be used for screening or diagnosis in asymptomatic individuals. Genetic testing is currently a particular concern given the potential for employment and insurance discrimination. Issues of informed consent, both for health care and for participation in research, are of particular concern for Alzheimer's disease patients and others with diminished cognitive abilities. Special efforts are being made to improve the consent process for care, to encourage advance care planning while the patient is able, and to make the consent process meaningful to potential participants in Alzheimer's disease intervention studies.