[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":300},["ShallowReactive",2],{"slug-would-you-want-to-know-whether-youre-at-risk-for-alzheimers":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":187,"relatedBooks":299},{"id":5,"date":6,"date_gmt":7,"guid":8,"modified":10,"modified_gmt":11,"slug":12,"status":13,"type":14,"link":15,"title":16,"content":18,"excerpt":21,"author":23,"featured_media":24,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":29,"categories":30,"tags":33,"project_category":47,"contact_email_category":48,"yst_prominent_words":49,"class_list":61,"better_featured_image":83,"acf":122,"yoast_meta":131,"_links":134},17759,"2018-04-28T10:35:25","2018-04-28T08:35:25",{"rendered":9},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=17759","2022-05-25T17:41:54","2022-05-25T15:41:54","would-you-want-to-know-whether-youre-at-risk-for-alzheimers","publish","post","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwould-you-want-to-know-whether-youre-at-risk-for-alzheimers",{"rendered":17},"Would You Want To Know Whether You’re At Risk For Alzheimer’s?",{"rendered":19,"protected":20},"\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"5px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp style=\"color: #555;font-size: 12px;line-height: 14px\">THIS ARTICLE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 2018. THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THE ARTICLE WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME OF ITS PUBLICATION, BUT IT MAY BE OUT OF DATE NOW. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmagazine\">BROWSE OUR LATEST ARTICLES HERE\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Do genetic tests help prepare for potential future health issues or do they open Pandora’s box full of concerns, worries and hypochondriac thoughts? Would you want to know your genetic fate? Whether you are at risk for Alzheimer’s or a chronic disease 30 years in advance? Would you want to live with this kind of information? Would you take the BRCA test to find out that you are at risk for breast cancer? What would you do if you were? The Medical Futurist team contemplated situations requiring hard, life-altering decisions. What would you do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003C!--more-->\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Our genetic heritage carries secrets that are difficult to process\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In Season 8 of the iconic 2000’s medical comedy-drama series, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.imdb.com\u002Ftitle\u002Ftt0285403\u002F?ref_=fn_al_tt_1\">Scrubs\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fscrubs.wikia.com\u002Fwiki\u002FDan_Stonewater\">Dan Stonewater\u003C\u002Fa> checks his mother into Sacred Heart Hospital with signs of paranoia. It turns out that Mrs. Stonewater has a hereditary degenerative brain condition, Huntington’s disease. The main character, J.D., who became an attending physician during the seasons, suggested to him to take a genetic test to find out whether he had also inherited it. After being visibly torn, Dan decided against it. He reasoned that he didn’t want to live his life knowing something unavoidable. He said he might have it done in due time but that he just wanted to be free of that burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A disquieting \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nytimes.com\u002F2007\u002F03\u002F18\u002Fhealth\u002F18huntington.html\">piece of The New York Times\u003C\u002Fa> recounts Katharine Moser’s story, who against the advice of her mother, took a genetic test at the age of to find out whether she inherited Huntington’s disease from her grandfather’s line. After she received the confirmatory results, she went through different stages of grief. Denial as in – nothing happened, she is still the same person as she was before. Rage as in – why her? Why is she who has to take the burden of this ugly disease with no cure?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>She even accepted a job at a nursing home in Manhattan, where there is a unit devoted entirely to Huntington’s. She tried to process the news actively: participated in awareness-raising campaigns, events organized by the \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fhdsa.org\u002F\">Huntington’s Disease Society of America\u003C\u002Fa>, discussed the genetic markers with others at risk for the disease in online forums. After a while, Moser realized the results of the test became a part of her life, and she had been living her days formed by the notion that she has a limited amount of time until signs of the condition will show. But until then, she started to learn how to ride a unicycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-17767\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fscientist-holding-medical-samples-in-laboratory.jpg\" alt=\"Genetic fate\" class=\"wp-image-17767\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fscientist-holding-medical-samples-in-laboratory.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fscientist-holding-medical-samples-in-laboratory-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fscientist-holding-medical-samples-in-laboratory-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fscientist-holding-medical-samples-in-laboratory-375x250.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: sbs.com.au\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Would you want to know what runs in your own family? Order a genetic test online!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Huntington’s disease is not the only condition whose risk you can detect by a genetic test, but it is one of those monogenic hereditary conditions, where modifications in a single gene can determine whether the person will develop the disease later in life. Similar diseases are for example thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis. With depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer or other illnesses on a long list of conditions, the likelihood of the disease increases with genetic inheritance, but environmental factors also play a role in their development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With the appearance of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, getting to know your risks became simpler and more affordable. For a couple of hundred dollars, after a check swab sent back to the laboratories, you can find out what runs in your family and how much you are at risk of certain diseases. For example, Pathway Genomics screens patients for more than 120 recessive genetic disorders and offers a comprehensive preconception and prenatal package. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.23andme.com\u002Fen-int\u002F\">23andme\u003C\u002Fa> tests consumers for instance for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hereditary hearing loss. Progenity’s regular preparental screening includes 29 disorders which may cause serious health effects in the future child. The Medical Futurist already tested Pathway Genomics to get a comprehensive overview of genetic heritage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-17762\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"528\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fa-loupe-is-used-to-magnify-results-of-automated-dna-sequencing-displayed-on-computer-monitor.jpg\" alt=\"Genetic Fate\" class=\"wp-image-17762\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fa-loupe-is-used-to-magnify-results-of-automated-dna-sequencing-displayed-on-computer-monitor.jpg 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fa-loupe-is-used-to-magnify-results-of-automated-dna-sequencing-displayed-on-computer-monitor-768x507.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fa-loupe-is-used-to-magnify-results-of-automated-dna-sequencing-displayed-on-computer-monitor-512x338.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fa-loupe-is-used-to-magnify-results-of-automated-dna-sequencing-displayed-on-computer-monitor-379x250.jpg 379w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: arstechnica.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>For centuries, there was no way to know\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The option of having a genetic test for health risks has been around only for the last couple of decades, not to speak about DTC testing. The possibility to order a test online and to get your genes sequenced in a couple of weeks has only been an option since 2008. For centuries, the only data in the possession of both the doctor and the patient were the symptoms. Coughs, rashes, seizures, fever, blood, urine. As modern medicine progressed, the diagnostic procedures, sample analytics, as well as treatments became more complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, as time passed, patients also became more involved in their care. In the middle ages, no one went back to the doctor to be advised about vitamins or pain medication for a headache. The idea that patients have to deal with their treatment – how to be medicated, when to swallow pills, what to eat or not to eat – was only born some decades after the rise of modern medicine. Moreover, \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.slate.com\u002Farticles\u002Farts\u002Fculturebox\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fthe_history_of_self_care.html\">the idea of self-care\u003C\u002Fa> as a way for patients to treat themselves and exercise healthy habits, most often under the guidance of a health professional was confined to mentally ill or older adults before the late 1960s or early 1970s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Currently, with the advancement of digital health, the appearance of wearables, portable diagnostic devices, everyone gets information which was not possible before. The types of medical information, such as vital signs, DNA, microbiome data, as well as the amount of data that the patient gets their hands on is astounding. However, that also comes with responsibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-17763\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fself-care.jpg\" alt=\"Genetic fate\" class=\"wp-image-17763\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fself-care.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fself-care-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fself-care-512x390.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fself-care-328x250.jpg 328w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: selfcare247.co.za\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How much should the patient know?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As medical information was solely the terrain of medical professionals in the past, doctors had the exclusive responsibility to tell or not tell patients about possible risks. That can be a mortifyingly heavy burden. How do you explain to a cancer patient that she only has three months to live? How do you communicate with a son that his father suffers from a hereditary disease?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F3755176\u002Fdoctors-diagnose-alzheimers-dont-tell\u002F\">One of the few papers investigating the phenomenon of Alzheimer’s diagnoses found\u003C\u002Fa> that as few as 36% of doctors said they usually told their patients if they had Alzheimer’s. What was the main reason for the intentional omission? Fear of causing emotional distress to their patients and the lack of time and resources to fully explain what the diagnosis means. That was true of both primary care doctors as well as neurology specialists who have more expertise in brain-related disorders. Robert L. Wergin, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians told \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F3755176\u002Fdoctors-diagnose-alzheimers-dont-tell\u002F\">Time Magazine\u003C\u002Fa> that labeling someone with Alzheimer’s disease might have a serious effect on the individual who might think „well that’s it for me, I better start looking for nursing homes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With the phenomenon of patient empowerment and the changing dynamic of the patient-doctor relationship, some of the burdens might shift towards the patient in getting to know their risks. At least, in the case of genetic conditions. Some people are already more actively embracing the option of peeking into their own fate. “We’re seeing a shift,” Dr. Michael Hayden, a professor of human genetics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nytimes.com\u002F2007\u002F03\u002F18\u002Fhealth\u002F18huntington.html\">told The New York Times\u003C\u002Fa>, who has been providing various tests for Huntington’s disease for 20 years. “Younger people are coming for testing now, people in their 20s and early 30s; before, that was rare. I’ve counseled some of them. They feel it is part of their heritage and that it is possible to lead a life that’s not defined by this gene.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-17764\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"589\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fslack-imgs-com1.jpeg\" alt=\"genetic fate\" class=\"wp-image-17764\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fslack-imgs-com1.jpeg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fslack-imgs-com1-768x520.jpeg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fslack-imgs-com1-512x347.jpeg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fslack-imgs-com1-369x250.jpeg 369w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: fortune.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What can you do about it?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the case of monogenic conditions, such as Huntington’s disease, but also Alzheimer’s, there is no cure. If you decide to live with the knowledge, you have to face the burden of impotence. You can support the research for finding a treatment for the condition, but you have to live with the absolute fact that you cannot change the course of the disease, you only have the option for mitigating some symptoms. While, if you decide not to take a genetic test or not to be informed about its results, you can have the hope that you don’t have the faulty genes. However, if the disease had already some victims in the family, that might be a somewhat illusory one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In contrast, there are some conditions where you can only receive information about the risks of developing the disease and take precautionary measures. Some serious ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Angelina Jolie shocked film-loving audiences with the news about her double mastectomy after she \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.nytimes.com\u002F2013\u002F05\u002F14\u002Fopinion\u002Fmy-medical-choice.html\">publicized her BRCA genetic testing results\u003C\u002Fa> and her risk for breast cancer. A merciless but effective way to avoid getting breast cancer. She decided to let her own body mutilate and her breasts, one of the symbols of womanhood, removed in an act of defense for her health. Could you make such a huge sacrifice for your body? Would you do the BRCA genetic test knowing that in case of carrying the risk for breast cancer you have such a harsh step as your choice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fangelina-jolie.jpg\" alt=\"BRCA genetic test\" class=\"wp-image-16212\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fangelina-jolie.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fangelina-jolie-768x453.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fangelina-jolie-512x302.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fangelina-jolie-424x250.jpg 424w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Weighing the pros and cons in case of the BRCA test\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Many would say it depends on the size of the risk. Together, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations account for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cancer.gov\u002Fabout-cancer\u002Fcauses-prevention\u002Fgenetics\u002Fbrca-fact-sheet#r2\">about 20-25 percent of hereditary breast cancers; and about 5-10 percent of all breast cancers\u003C\u002Fa>, which means quite an elevated risk. These numbers are even higher in the case of ovarian tumors: mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 account for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cancer.gov\u002Fabout-cancer\u002Fcauses-prevention\u002Fgenetics\u002Fbrca-fact-sheet#r3\">15 percent of that cancer type overall\u003C\u002Fa>. So, if you know that breast cancer is in your family history, would you take a BRCA test? And if so, what do you do if the test is positive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Researchers \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.bmj.com\u002Fcontent\u002F355\u002Fbmj.i6357\">found that\u003C\u002Fa> many women rushed to get genetic testing the days after Angelina Jolie’s announcement about the results of her BRCA testing. The “Angelina effect” was so intense that based on insurance claims for nearly 10 million women aged 18 to 64, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.statnews.com\u002F2017\u002F01\u002F05\u002Fangelina-jolie-brca-testing\u002F\">BRCA testing rose 64 percent in the US in the 15 days\u003C\u002Fa> after Jolie described her BRCA results and surgery. Moreover, a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC4659163\u002F\">long-term study highlighted\u003C\u002Fa> later that not only did the UK health system experience a 2.5-fold increase in referrals of UK women with family histories of breast cancer following Jolie’s revelation, but they reported a similar 2.5-fold rise in risk-reducing mastectomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"693\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fbrca-genetic-testing_cover.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16213\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fbrca-genetic-testing_cover.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fbrca-genetic-testing_cover-768x612.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fbrca-genetic-testing_cover-512x408.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F08\u002Fbrca-genetic-testing_cover-314x250.jpg 314w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>In need of guidance for health risks and further steps\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What does Angelina Jolie’s example say about BRCA testing and genetic risks? That if people have the tools to get to know their future risks and they can take steps for avoiding their “fate” they are willing to take the path. In this case, the publicity and the hype naturally induced increased interest in genetic testing, as it made many women aware that such tests exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>That also means that people need guidance. They look up to others who already set an example for self-care, but The Medical Futurist indeed believes that in spite of the changing doctor-patient relationship, we will be in dire need for the experience, the vision and guidance of physicians. Doctors who would explain what the results of the genetic tests mean for the future of the patient. Doctors who are entirely aware of the ethical implications of their medical advice. Moreover, doctors who would advise for or against a risk-reducing mastectomy in each case depending on the person. Their knowledge and their years in medical practice will be irreplaceable when patients come to them and say they are facing a life-altering health decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-17765\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"581\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fempathy.jpg\" alt=\"Genetic fate\" class=\"wp-image-17765\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fempathy.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fempathy-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fempathy-512x342.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fempathy-375x250.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: medicalnewstoday.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Patients have to grow up to the idea of a proactive patient\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, it will be patients who will decide in the end. There will be fewer and fewer situations in the future, where doctors will have the sole responsibility to determine a patient’s case. Proactive patients will want to take part in their own care, be fully involved in their treatment and even go as far as trying to determine and shape their own future – through genetic tests for health risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The Medical Futurist believes that if you can take steps after receiving the genetic test, that’s a beneficial knowledge. However, if that’s something that leaves you impotent or with the knowledge of the possibility for a chronic disease within the next 30 years, it has to be carefully considered whether the person wants to take on that burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, there are already many areas where you can do a lot for your health without even getting a genetic test done. You can measure your data with wearables; you can eat healthy food, you can go out and exercise, you can ask your doctor about your concerns and issues. The Medical Futurist believes that everyone has to get their game up and get ready for 21\u003Csup>st\u003C\u002Fsup>-century healthcare, that is only state-of-the-art and accessible if we do everything for prevention and we are proactive partners in our care. That’s why it is of utmost importance to be conscious and contemplate questions like this. So, would you want to know your fate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Feepurl.com\u002FZejiT\">\u003Cb>Subscribe To The Medical Futurist℠ Newsletter\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003Cli>News shaping the future of healthcare\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Advice on taking charge of your health\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Reviews of the latest health technology\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n",false,{"rendered":22,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>Do genetic tests help prepare for potential future health issues or do they open Pandora’s box full of concerns, worries and hypochondriac thoughts? Would you want to know your genetic fate? Whether you are at risk for Alzheimer’s or a chronic disease 30 years in advance? Would you want to live with this kind of information? Would you take the BRCA test to find out that you are at risk for breast cancer? What would you do if you were? The Medical Futurist team contemplated situations requiring hard, life-altering decisions. What would you do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n",6,17768,"closed",true,"","standard",{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[31,32],511,488,[34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46],631,139,694,209,890,212,891,213,892,218,246,260,262,[],[],[50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60],1969,1981,2063,3025,3561,4677,1571,1631,1723,1727,1883,[62,14,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82],"post-17759","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bioethics","category-genomics","tag-patient-empowerment","tag-alzheimer","tag-personal-genomics","tag-disease","tag-huntingtons","tag-dna","tag-doctor-patient","tag-dna-testing","tag-doctor-patient-relationship","tag-dtc","tag-future","tag-genetics","tag-genomics",{"id":24,"alt_text":84,"caption":85,"description":27,"media_type":86,"media_details":87,"post":5,"source_url":121},"Genetic fate","Source: geneticliteracyproject.org","image",{"width":88,"height":89,"file":90,"sizes":91,"image_meta":118},870,581,"2018\u002F04\u002Fgenetic-fate.jpg",{"medium":92,"large":98,"thumbnail":103,"medium_large":107,"large_old_512x342":108,"medium_old_375x250":113},{"file":93,"width":94,"height":95,"mime-type":96,"source_url":97},"genetic-fate-370x208.jpg",370,208,"image\u002Fjpeg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fgenetic-fate-370x208.jpg",{"file":99,"width":100,"height":101,"mime-type":96,"source_url":102},"genetic-fate-768x513.jpg",768,513,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fgenetic-fate-768x513.jpg",{"file":104,"width":105,"height":105,"mime-type":96,"source_url":106},"genetic-fate-150x150.jpg",150,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fgenetic-fate-150x150.jpg",{"file":99,"width":100,"height":101,"mime-type":96,"source_url":102},{"file":109,"width":110,"height":111,"mime-type":96,"source_url":112},"genetic-fate-512x342.jpg",512,342,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fgenetic-fate-512x342.jpg",{"file":114,"width":115,"height":116,"mime-type":96,"source_url":117},"genetic-fate-375x250.jpg",375,250,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fgenetic-fate-375x250.jpg",{"aperture":119,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":119,"copyright":27,"focal_length":119,"iso":119,"shutter_speed":119,"title":27,"orientation":119,"keywords":120},"0",[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F04\u002Fgenetic-fate.jpg",{"related_posts":123,"related_posts_footer":127,"cta_type":27,"cta_color":27,"subtitle":27,"related_books":20},[124,125,126],15713,13151,15142,[128,129,130],15120,14102,15976,{"yoast_wpseo_title":132,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":133,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":15},"Would You Want To Know Whether You’re At Risk For Alzheimer’s? - The Medical Futurist","Would you want to know your genetic fate? The Medical Futurist team contemplated situations requiring hard, life-altering decisions. What would you do?",{"self":135,"collection":141,"about":144,"author":147,"replies":150,"version-history":153,"predecessor-version":157,"wp:featuredmedia":161,"wp:attachment":164,"wp:term":167,"curies":183},[136],{"href":137,"targetHints":138},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17759",{"allow":139},[140],"GET",[142],{"href":143},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts",[145],{"href":146},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftypes\u002Fpost",[148],{"embeddable":26,"href":149},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F6",[151],{"embeddable":26,"href":152},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=17759",[154],{"count":155,"href":156},21,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17759\u002Frevisions",[158],{"id":159,"href":160},46424,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F17759\u002Frevisions\u002F46424",[162],{"embeddable":26,"href":163},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F17768",[165],{"href":166},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=17759",[168,171,174,177,180],{"taxonomy":169,"embeddable":26,"href":170},"category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=17759",{"taxonomy":172,"embeddable":26,"href":173},"post_tag","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=17759",{"taxonomy":175,"embeddable":26,"href":176},"project_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=17759",{"taxonomy":178,"embeddable":26,"href":179},"contact_email_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=17759",{"taxonomy":181,"embeddable":26,"href":182},"yst_prominent_words","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=17759",[184],{"name":185,"href":186,"templated":26},"wp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.w.org\u002F{rel}",[188],{"id":130,"date":189,"date_gmt":190,"guid":191,"modified":193,"modified_gmt":194,"slug":195,"status":13,"type":14,"link":196,"title":197,"content":199,"excerpt":201,"author":23,"featured_media":203,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":204,"categories":205,"tags":206,"project_category":214,"contact_email_category":215,"yst_prominent_words":216,"class_list":218,"better_featured_image":227,"acf":254,"yoast_meta":255,"_links":257},"2017-07-12T18:00:02","2017-07-12T16:00:02",{"rendered":192},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=15976","2022-05-18T18:43:29","2022-05-18T16:43:29","going-past-big-national-geographic-ancestry-test-review","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fgoing-past-big-national-geographic-ancestry-test-review",{"rendered":198},"Going After Your Past – The Big National Geographic Ancestry Test Review",{"rendered":200,"protected":20},"\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"5px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp style=\"color: #555;font-size: 12px;line-height: 14px\">THIS ARTICLE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 2017. THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THE ARTICLE WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME OF ITS PUBLICATION, BUT IT MAY BE OUT OF DATE NOW. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmagazine\">BROWSE OUR LATEST ARTICLES HERE\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Have you ever wondered to which people your ancestors belonged thousands of years ago? Or how your ancestors ended up living in the region where you were born? Did you know that your genes can reveal this information? The National Geographic Ancestry Test promises to take you on a journey into your faraway past and to be part of the Genographic Project aiming to uncover one of the greatest stories of humanity – our origins. I was excited to see what my genes hide so I ordered a test with full of curiosity. Here are my results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003C!--more-->\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Where do we come from?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Have you ever wondered where would you find your ancestors if you had the chance to travel back in time? Whether they tried to get rich during the gold rush in California in the 1890s? Or whether they fought in the army of Catherine the Great annexing the Crimea in 1783? Did they perhaps live in Rome when Italian philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician Galileo Galilei arrived there in 1633 to face charges of heresy for advocating Copernican theory, which holds that the Earth revolves around the Sun? Or did they live in South America at the time Magellan discovered the strait down there in the 1520s?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes I wish I could see what my ancestors did in the past in order to get a clearer picture where I come from and get a greater sense of belonging to a community reaching through time. That’s why I was really curious what the National Geographic Ancestry Test could offer me. I wanted to get to know my genetic history and my ancestry lineage, while I also wanted to participate in the research project of the National Geographic called the Genographic Project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-15977\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"529\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fwhere-do-we-come-from.jpg\" alt=\"National Geographic ancestry test\" class=\"wp-image-15977\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fwhere-do-we-come-from.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fwhere-do-we-come-from-768x467.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fwhere-do-we-come-from-512x311.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fwhere-do-we-come-from-411x250.jpg 411w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cem>Geno 2.0 Human Migration Map. Courtesy of National Geographic\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So I ordered their Genographic DNA Ancestry Kit for $199.95 – my first ancestry test and the very first genetic test I paid for. I’m especially glad to know that my money will serve a good cause: by ordering the test, I support NatGeo’s research, conservation, and exploration projects around the globe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Before starting the test, I was aware that genetic history reaches far beyond the past centuries – it goes back thousands of years, so you have no chance of knowing what happened to your ancestors in the past centuries. I also knew that I will definitely not get a magic telescope to see whether my ancestors cheered when Anne Boleyn, the most famous of Henrik VIII’ wives was beheaded at the courtyard of the London Tower, but I still placed high hopes on the findings and wished to get to know more about my origins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Genographic Project\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>National Geographic launched the overarching project more than ten years ago in cooperation with IBM. It is basically a multi-year, global genetic anthropology study that aims to map historical human migration patterns by collecting and analyzing DNA samples. As of 2017, over 830,000 participants in over 140 countries have joined the project consisting of two phases. The first period enlisted a consortium of 11 global regional scientific teams who undertook sample collection and DNA analysis in their respective continental regions. Also, more than 470,000 members of the public took the test in the first phase. Relaunched in 2012 as Geno 2.0, the project grew to include more DNA markers and provide even more detailed ancestral results. More than 275,000 people joined Geno 2.0. so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Through the genetic test using a custom-built genotyping chip and testing nearly 750,000 DNA markers, anyone can participate in the project. It helps the effort of scientists discover the migratory history of the human race out of Africa. It’s truly a fascinating journey into the past!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How does the testing process work?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I already had some experience with genetic tests in my life – I reviewed Navigenics, Pathway Genomics, Gentle Lab and Futura Genetics \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffutura-genetics-analyzed-my-genome-review\u002F\">(here\u003C\u002Fa>), but there are more on the market: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.snpedia.com\u002Findex.php\u002FFamilyTreeDNA\">FamilyTreeDNA\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.snpedia.com\u002Findex.php\u002FAncestry.com\">Ancestry.com\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.snpedia.com\u002Findex.php\u002FComplete_Genomics\">Complete Genomics\u003C\u002Fa>, or \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.snpedia.com\u002Findex.php\u002FWeGene\">WeGene\u003C\u002Fa>. The testing process usually looks like the following: you provide a saliva sample, send it back in some specified form to the company and after some weeks, they will let you know the result. It is not that much different in the case of NatGeo either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>After you receive the DNA Ancestry Kit, you are asked to do a routine cheek swab that is fast and easy. I had to spin the sampling stick for 40 seconds in each of my cheeks and then to put the stick into a little pot with some fluid to preserve the DNA. I sent it back to the company and circa eight weeks later I received an email announcing that the gate to my past is open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fscreen-shot-07-12-17-at-04.49-pm.png\" alt=\"National Geographic ancestry test\" class=\"wp-image-15993\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fscreen-shot-07-12-17-at-04.49-pm.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fscreen-shot-07-12-17-at-04.49-pm-768x424.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fscreen-shot-07-12-17-at-04.49-pm-512x282.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fscreen-shot-07-12-17-at-04.49-pm-453x250.png 453w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How do National Geographic’s scientists trace your ancestry lineage?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Before moving on to my results, let me briefly explain you the science behind the ancestry test. Geneticists have discovered that different parts of your DNA can tell you about historical and prehistorical events in your ancestral story. It is written into your cells like a code waiting to be decoded. Scientists can estimate when or where these events happened by looking for small variations in your DNA and that of other people around you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>These small variations are called mutations. Mutations are usually rare and, in nearly all cases, occurred only once in the past. Therefore, any two people who share a rare mutation must have inherited it from a shared common ancestor. National Geographic starts to construct your personal story by counting your rare mutations – or genetic markers – and comparing them to those of thousands of other people. This is also the reason why the testing process will become more precise over time: the more people, the merrier results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And how do they find these rare mutations among the millions of specific genetic information? Especially if you consider that parents do not transmit their genetic code perfectly to their kids, there is always plenty of variations and finding mutations is like finding a needle in the haystack. However, researchers found that there are two bits of DNA passed on almost entirely unchanged. These are the Y-chromosome passed on from father to son on the paternal line, while the mitochondrial DNA from mother to daughter on the maternal line. These give the basis of their analysis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-15980 size-full\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"542\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fempty.png\" alt=\"ancestry test\" class=\"wp-image-15980\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fempty.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fempty-768x478.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fempty-512x319.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fempty-401x250.png 401w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>\u003Cem>Illustration of Y Chromosome and mitochondrial DNA lineages. Courtesy of National Geographic.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Tracking migratory patterns of humanity through ancestry mapping\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In order to map out your ancestry lineage, National Geographic determines your deep ancestry based on your Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA, as well as your regional ancestry. In the case of the latter, the researchers use the achievements of the so-called population genetics. It means that populations living in the same area over time tend to share more common DNA variations than people in other parts of the world. The reason is clear: a Korean pearl diver was more likely to marry the daughter of another Korean pearl diver than an Italian aristocrat from Tuscany.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Researchers already identified hundreds of distinct groups based on similar DNA build-up, the so-called haplogroups. Moreover, scientists look at these variations and how they changed over time and so they are able to trace back the migratory patterns of various populations in different haplogroups in the past. This is how National Geographic researchers discovered that \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fvoices.nationalgeographic.com\u002F2015\u002F10\u002F23\u002Fgenographic-scientists-trace-the-origins-of-europes-gypsies\u002F\">European Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe most probably migrated from Northwest India\u003C\u002Fa> through the Balkans to Europe based on their genetic code. The Genographic study showed that more than 40 percent of Roma men belonged to the South Asian haplogroup, while less than 1 percent of non-Roma belonged to that haplogroup. These are amazing findings!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Journey of Your Past | National Geographic\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FRGtaq3PiIoU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>My ancestry lineage is surprisingly \u003C\u002Fstrong>homogeneous\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I stem from Hungary, Central Europe, a region between the East and the West with a constant migration of peoples throughout history, thus I expected a mixture of many haplogroups in my DNA. Instead, I turned out to be 72 percent Central European, 22 percent Southern European and 3 percent Scandinavian. The researchers located my first reference population as Romanian, while the second one as Polish. For me, it was interesting to see that the Hungarian origin is not mentioned in the explanatory text. \u003Cem>Today, this part of the world is associated with Slavic and Baltic cultures, as well as Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Czech, Slovak, and German peoples. \u003C\u002Fem>I am still wondering what should be the cause for this. Apart from this, I consider these results as highly interesting and useful in mapping my past (500-10,000 years back in time) and the community I belong to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>By analyzing my Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA, National Geographic’s researchers found out how my ancestors migrated from Africa to Central Europe. It was interesting for me to see that my predecessors on my maternal line went through a shorter route – through Egypt, the Arabic peninsula and then the Caucasus or Turkey – to Europe as my grand-grand-grand fathers who chose to travel to India first, then went back to the Ural steppes before reaching the Carpathian basin. Maybe with more Hungarians sharing their results with the project’s researchers, we could trace back the origins of our population.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"759\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fmy-results.png\" alt=\"ancestry test\" class=\"wp-image-15981\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fmy-results.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fmy-results-768x670.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fmy-results-512x447.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fmy-results-287x250.png 287w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Genius matches and hominin ancestry\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While your deep and regional ancestry lineage is truly fascinating, I did not quite catch the meaning and significance of the so-called “genius matches”. National Geographic promises to tell you that based on your Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA when in ancient history your maternal or paternal line diverged from Abraham Lincoln’s, Mother Theresa’s or Napoleon’s lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As it could happen 65,000 years ago as well, I cannot really see its relevance. It is a little bit like saying that tablets and laptops all had the common ancestor in the Commodore 64 once. While it is an intellectually interesting piece of information, I doubt I can profit from it in my daily life. For example, it would certainly be strange to go to my doctor and tell her that I might have a risk for stomach cancer as \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fnews.nationalgeographic.com\u002Fnews\u002F2007\u002F01\u002F070117-napoleon.html\">Napoleon most probably died of stomach cancer\u003C\u002Fa> and we share a common ancestor back in the distant past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And finally, the ancestry test provided me with answers to a question I did not know I have in my mind before embarking on this journey. The human DNA also contains traces for episodes when our human ancestors met other hominin species in the distant past, circa 50,000 years ago, and interbred. These “cousin” species, like the Neanderthals, are now extinct, but the genetic makeup of nearly everyone born outside of Africa today includes 1 to 2 percent DNA from these hominins, living relics of ancient encounters. My DNA has 1.1 percent Neanderthaler in it, which is less than the average. It is also something interesting to know but it goes back so far in the distant past that it is certainly more exciting for scientists than for average users.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"594\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fgenius-matches.png\" alt=\"Genius Matches - ancestry test\" class=\"wp-image-15984\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fgenius-matches.png 771w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fgenius-matches-768x592.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fgenius-matches-512x394.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fgenius-matches-324x250.png 324w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 771px) 100vw, 771px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What to do with my results and raw analytical data?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For Geno 1.0 and Geno 2.0 participants the raw analytical output from the DNA sample is available to as a CSV file, while for Geno 2.0 Next Gen Participants, the raw analytical output from your DNA sample is available for purchase through National Geographic’s partner, Family Tree DNA. It is quite useful to have this data set in your hands, as you can utilize it for further purposes. I collected it \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fanalyse-your-dna-in-your-living-room\u002F\">here\u003C\u002Fa> how to analyze your raw genetic data at home!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Besides, you can print out your National Geographic Ancestry Test results, you can offer it for further research – which I gladly did – or you can search for your family tree with the help of various websites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To sum up, the National Geographic ancestry test was an interesting new experience for me – a lot different than all the other genetic tests I had before. I got used to the fact that genetic tests usually provide me with palpable results: my health risks, my drug sensitivities or any other genetically relevant information which I can utilize in my daily life to live healthier. However, the ancestry test gave me a unique insight into my distant past, moreover, into the migratory route what my predecessors undertook thousands of years ago. So, if you are looking for medical insights from a genetic test, I do not recommend taking the test. However, if you have the curiosity of a historian and would like to discover the community you and your ancestors belong to, I would definitely advise you to order one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fnatgeo_proscons.png\" alt=\"ancestry test\" class=\"wp-image-15989\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fnatgeo_proscons.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fnatgeo_proscons-768x768.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fnatgeo_proscons-150x150.png 150w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fnatgeo_proscons-512x512.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fnatgeo_proscons-250x250.png 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cp>[subscribe image=”false” type=”article-horizontal”]Subscribe to\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>The Medical Futurist℠ Newsletter\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>News shaping the future of healthcare\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Advice on taking charge of your health\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Reviews of the latest health technology\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>[\u002Fsubscribe]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":202,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>Have you ever wondered to which people your ancestors belonged thousands of years ago? Or how your ancestors ended up living in the region where you were born? Did you know that your genes can reveal this information? The National Geographic Ancestry Test promises to take you on a journey into your faraway past and to be part of the Genographic Project aiming to uncover one of the greatest stories of humanity – our origins. I was excited to see what my genes hide so I ordered a test with full of curiosity. Here are my results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",15996,{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[32],[45,207,208,209,36,210,211,212,39,44,213],289,354,522,710,176,711,256,[],[],[50,217,53],1973,[219,14,63,64,65,66,67,69,81,220,221,222,72,223,224,225,75,80,226],"post-15976","tag-innovation","tag-personalized-genetics","tag-gc3","tag-ancestry","tag-clinicla-genetics","tag-national-geographic","tag-genes",{"id":203,"alt_text":27,"caption":27,"description":27,"media_type":86,"media_details":228,"post":130,"source_url":253},{"width":88,"height":229,"file":230,"sizes":231,"image_meta":251},606,"2017\u002F07\u002Fundefined-1.jpg",{"medium":232,"large":235,"thumbnail":239,"medium_large":242,"large_old_512x357":243,"medium_old_359x250":247},{"file":233,"width":94,"height":95,"mime-type":96,"source_url":234},"undefined-1-370x208.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fundefined-1-370x208.jpg",{"file":236,"width":100,"height":237,"mime-type":96,"source_url":238},"undefined-1-768x535.jpg",535,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fundefined-1-768x535.jpg",{"file":240,"width":105,"height":105,"mime-type":96,"source_url":241},"undefined-1-150x150.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fundefined-1-150x150.jpg",{"file":236,"width":100,"height":237,"mime-type":96,"source_url":238},{"file":244,"width":110,"height":245,"mime-type":96,"source_url":246},"undefined-1-512x357.jpg",357,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fundefined-1-512x357.jpg",{"file":248,"width":249,"height":116,"mime-type":96,"source_url":250},"undefined-1-359x250.jpg",359,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fundefined-1-359x250.jpg",{"aperture":119,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":119,"copyright":27,"focal_length":119,"iso":119,"shutter_speed":119,"title":27,"orientation":119,"keywords":252},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fundefined-1.jpg",{"cta_type":27,"cta_color":27,"subtitle":27,"related_books":20,"related_posts_footer":20,"related_posts":20},{"yoast_wpseo_title":256,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":27,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":196},"Going After Your Past – The Big National Geographic Ancestry Test Review - The Medical Futurist",{"self":258,"collection":263,"about":265,"author":267,"replies":269,"version-history":272,"predecessor-version":276,"wp:featuredmedia":280,"wp:attachment":283,"wp:term":286,"curies":297},[259],{"href":260,"targetHints":261},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F15976",{"allow":262},[140],[264],{"href":143},[266],{"href":146},[268],{"embeddable":26,"href":149},[270],{"embeddable":26,"href":271},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=15976",[273],{"count":274,"href":275},17,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F15976\u002Frevisions",[277],{"id":278,"href":279},46075,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F15976\u002Frevisions\u002F46075",[281],{"embeddable":26,"href":282},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F15996",[284],{"href":285},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=15976",[287,289,291,293,295],{"taxonomy":169,"embeddable":26,"href":288},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=15976",{"taxonomy":172,"embeddable":26,"href":290},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=15976",{"taxonomy":175,"embeddable":26,"href":292},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=15976",{"taxonomy":178,"embeddable":26,"href":294},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=15976",{"taxonomy":181,"embeddable":26,"href":296},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=15976",[298],{"name":185,"href":186,"templated":26},[],1789238028780]