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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
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Automated, Long-term Behavioral Assay for Cognitive Functions in Multiple Genetic Models of Alzheimer's Disease, Using IntelliCage
Published on: August 4, 2018
Genetic testing for Alzheimer's and long-term care insurance
Donald H Taylor1, Robert M Cook-Deegan, Susan Hiraki
1Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA. don.taylor@duke.edu
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|January 6, 2010
Summary
Genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease risk, specifically the apolipoprotein E gene, influences long-term care insurance uptake. This genetic information impacts purchasing decisions and could affect insurance markets.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Public Health
- Insurance Market Dynamics
- Long-Term Care Policy
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene variants are established predictors of Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.
- AD diagnosis significantly increases the likelihood of requiring long-term care (LTC).
- Understanding genetic risk may influence individual financial planning for future healthcare needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between knowledge of APOE genotype and the purchase of long-term care insurance.
- To explore the potential impact of genetic risk information on insurance market behavior.
- To inform policymakers about the implications of genetic markers in LTC insurance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of insurance purchasing behavior following genetic risk disclosure.
- Modeling potential effects on LTC insurance coverage rates.
- Review of policy considerations regarding genetic information in insurance pricing.
Main Results:
- Individuals aware of their increased AD risk due to APOE genotype are more likely to buy LTC insurance.
- Widespread availability of this genetic information could alter insurance market dynamics.
- The impact on coverage rates depends on the distribution of genetic information.
Conclusions:
- Genetic risk information, such as APOE status, influences consumer decisions regarding LTC insurance.
- The integration of genetic markers into insurance markets presents complex challenges for policymakers.
- Future policy must address the ethical and economic implications of using genetic data in insurance.
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