Why Do Genetic Testing?

by Jill Ciccarello, CEO & Research Program Director, Inland Northwest Research

What is a gene? A gene is the most basic unit of biological material that codes for heredity, or the passing of coding material given from parents to their children. The sequence of genes is commonly called Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. Every living thing has DNA. Each person has a set of unique DNA, which contain instructions for how a human being develops, functions, grows and reproduces.

Jill Ciccarello is a native of the northwest currently residing in Spokane. She has been working in biomedical research for the past 19 years. Jill has experience with federally and privately funded research programs. Before coming to Inland Northwest Research, she spent 4 years as a Subject Matter Expert and Science Officer for the US Medical Research and Materials Command, working primarily in Neurological Research, including Parkinson’s, TBI, PTSD and Alzheimer’s.

Variation in DNA makes you unique, but variation can also affect health. About 1 in 6 people carry a genetic variation that may increase their risk of developing a disease. Many people have a family history of disease, and it is one of the most common reasons people seek genetic testing. Genetic testing can provide essential health information to help identify an individual’s risk of disease, or the risk to other family members. Knowing risk can empower people to work with their doctor to prevent, detect or treat disease early.

Another reason an individual might seek genetic testing is because their family history of disease is unknown. Studies have suggested that, 80% of those who have passed a genetic illness on to their children, had no family history or symptoms of that disease. These individuals are called carriers; they carry the genes for disease, but do not necessarily suffer from the disease themselves.

Common genetic tests include screening for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, pediatric conditions, heart disease, mental illness, or other rare genetic disorders. It is important to note, that just because an individual may have a genetic marker for a particular disease, does not mean they will develop that disease. Genetic markers increase the risk for disease, but do not determine disease development, alone.

Genetic testing may also provide individuals with a medical diagnosis for unexplained symptoms, discover better treatment options for known diseases, and may reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive testing, as many genetic tests can be done with just saliva.

Things to consider:

Per Health and Human Services (hhs.gov), under the current Affordable Care Act (ACA—known as Obama Care), insurance companies can no longer deny an individual (adult or child) healthcare coverage or charge more for an insurance plan because of a pre-existing condition. This rule does not apply to health insurance policies “grandfathered” or purchased before 23 March 2010. Please review your health insurance with your doctor and health insurance provider, before seeking genetic testing. To learn more about the ACA, please go to www.healthcare.gov.

Ways to get genetic testing:

These days, there are many ways to obtain genetic testing. Broad genetic testing is often done by popular companies such as, 23andMe, AncestryDNA, My Heritage DNA, Living DNA etc. For more disease specific genetic testing, there are several companies that offer testing, often available through your doctor’s office, i.e., Invitae, MyDNA, Verge Genomics, Precision Oncology etc. In addition to individual testing (above), there are many clinical trials that offer genetic testing. Locally, Inland Northwest Research, in Spokane, WA, offers genetic test for many neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Nationally, Michael J Fox Foundation trial finder (https://www. michaeljfox.org/trial-finder) lists many clinical trials for movement disorders, such as PD. Talk with your doctor to determine what type of genetic testing might be best for you.

Another factor to discuss with your loved ones and medical care provider, before seeking genetic testing, is how the outcome of your genetic results may affect your family’s and your mental and emotional well-being. Talk with your doctor about setting up a meeting with a genetic counselor, psychologist, and/ or other mental healthcare professional, before to seeking genetic testing. Please note, that many genetic counselors are now available online, via Telehealth.

Inland Northwest Research are leaders in national and global research, focused on neurological disorders. We offer high impact clinical trial opportunities in Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Essential Tremor and dementia. We take great pride in helping those with neurological disorders navigate through clinical trial participation, and explore options that are the best fit for their needs. We are proud to partner with Invitae, to offer our community affordable genetic testing services. Genetic testing can be performed as part of a clinical trial registry or electively. Call us at 509-960-2818 and visit inwresearch.com for more information.