(July 15, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Most adults can tolerate the psychological stress of learning whether they carry a gene that places them at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here is some information about genetic counseling:

•    It refers to informing people about their risks of passing on a genetic condition to their offspring or of having an inherited disorder

•    It is an opportunity to receive early screening or treatment for a disease that a person is at high risk of developing

•    A disadvantage is living with the fear of developing a disease that may never actually occur

Researchers from Boston University tested over 150 adults who had a parent with Alzheimer’s for a gene linked with high risk for developing the disease. The participants were then randomly assigned to a group that received the results of the test or a group that did not.

Both groups had similar scores on measures of anxiety, depression, and test-related distress. This was even true when only looking at carriers of the high risk gene. Still, those who were not carriers experienced less distress associated with the test than those who were.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Robert Green, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today’s research suggests that while many adults can handle the stress of learning they are at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s, there may be a few who find it psychologically overwhelming.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.