Panels that identify genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and other neurological conditions.
Neurocognitive testing looks for inherited genetic changes that may influence memory, behavior, movement, or risk of conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Neurocognitive conditions affect memory, behavior, and movement. While age is a factor, inherited genetic changes can also influence risk. For families with a history of dementia, Parkinson’s, or other neurological disorders, genetic testing may provide useful insight.
Neurocognitive panels examine genetic variants tied to brain and nervous system health. These results don’t predict if or when a condition will develop, but they can highlight patterns that help guide care, monitoring, and family planning. Some of the conditions commonly reviewed through neurocognitive testing include:
Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that affects movement and coordination, often marked by tremors and stiffness. Panels may look for genetic variants such as mutations in the LRRK2 or SNCA genes, which have been linked to Parkinson’s risk.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, causing memory loss and changes in behavior over time. Panels may measure genetic markers like the APOE gene, particularly APOE ε4, which can be associated with higher risk.
Dementia describes a group of conditions that impact memory, reasoning, and social abilities. Genetic testing may include markers that help differentiate between types, including those linked to frontotemporal dementia or vascular dementia.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob is a rare, degenerative brain disorder that can occur sporadically or be inherited. Panels may test for PRNP gene mutations, which are associated with familial forms of the disease.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures. Panels may include genes such as SCN1A or KCNQ2, which have been connected to seizure disorders.
Huntington’s is an inherited disorder that leads to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Testing can confirm the expansion of CAG repeats in the HTT gene, which causes the condition.
Learning about neurocognitive risk factors can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We’ll connect you with trusted labs that provide panels and support for next steps.
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