Would YOU take a dementia test?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special|Issue 2 2020
What we know about this crippling condition is changing. We investigate...dement
JENNY STALLARD
Would YOU take a dementia test?

DNA testing once seemed more akin to a futuristic spy film than our everyday lives, but there are now countless companies that allow you to find out everything from your heritage to your life expectancy via a kit that goes in the post. And along with your heritage, one of the things that these tests can now do is scan for certain genetic markers that could be linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s.

The most widely available kit that offers testing for DNA related to the disease is called 23andme, and while testing for these genetic markers isn’t super-new (it’s available on the NHS), doing a postal test with results via email seems like a clever concept. But is it?

If you have or have had a relative who has suffered with dementia you will know the devastating long-term nature of the disease. And you may well have worried if that will be in your future, too. That could have led to you doing a home test, like Sara Davenport, author of the book Reboot Your Brain (reboothealth.co.uk). Sara’s father had Alzheimer’s. However, she decided not to open the results.

This story is from the Issue 2 2020 edition of Woman's Own Lifestyle Special.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 2 2020 edition of Woman's Own Lifestyle Special.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S OWN LIFESTYLE SPECIALView All
Are You Feeling Overstretched?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Are You Feeling Overstretched?

It could be showing on your face. Emotional overload hits us all at some point and, in the past year, we’ve had plenty. Here’s how to cope...

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
Could 60 Be The New 40, And 70 The New 50?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Could 60 Be The New 40, And 70 The New 50?

Could 60 be the new 40, and 70 the new 50? These stars in their swimwear reveal how they look so good – however many birthdays they’ve had!

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
How To...Get The Most Out Of Your Face Mask
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

How To...Get The Most Out Of Your Face Mask

They’re the secret weapon that your face has long been crying out for. Get the low-down on the smart new skin-genius masks!

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
ME, ME, ME TIME!
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

ME, ME, ME TIME!

We all love a bit of self-care and these stars are no different…

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 6, 2021
Your Complete Guide To Macros
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Your Complete Guide To Macros

They’ve become a buzzword for health and fitness gurus, but what are they? What role do they play in our nutrition? And how much attention should we pay to them?

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
‘My holiday pics helped me lose 12 STONE'
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

‘My holiday pics helped me lose 12 STONE'

After a major wake-up call, Kate Wood, 36, overhauled her diet, got fit and now runs virtual marathons

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
‘I try to set an example to MY GIRLS'
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

‘I try to set an example to MY GIRLS'

Angela Griffin reveals why eating healthily is important when you have teenage daughters…

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Slimming soups
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Slimming soups

From restorative broth to creamy chicken soup, these hearty and healthy bowls are just what you need on a cold winter’s eve

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Should you trust your SCALES?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Should you trust your SCALES?

Weighing yourself may not be as helpful as you think. Now there are savvier ways to track progress

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Natural ways to survive the menopause
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Natural ways to survive the menopause

Feel 10 years younger with these natural ways to ease symptoms

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 8, 2020