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Pros And Cons Of Genetic Testing

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Have you ever heard of the term genetics? How about genetic testing? If you haven’t even a clue as to what these two terms mean, I’ll dive into it with a brief summary. Genetics itself is the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics, while genetic testing is the sequencing of human DNA in order to discover any genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that may prove to be pathological. Genetic testing is usually conducted by a medical professional, such as a genetic counselor, though that isn’t the case anymore. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing, which is offered by several different companies, doesn’t require any sort of medical professional and can be performed by a single person. There is of course other benefits to this type of genetic testing, though there are more positives if you were to choose to go to a medical …show more content…

If you don’t already know what Alzheimer's is, it’s a disease that results in memory loss and even confusion, due to the loss of connections between nerve cells in the brain and the death of these nerve cells. APOE is actually one of the many genes that can directly influence your chances of getting Alzheimer’s. There are actually three types of the APOE gene: APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. APOE4 is actually one of the types that increase your chances for Alzheimer’s and lowers the actual age of onset. When testing for Alzheimer’s, it's not all that different than if you were doing it with a different disease. APOE predictive testing is actually not recommended, as said by the Alzheimer’s Society here: “The poor predictive value of is why APOE is not recommended (outside research studies) or available within the NHS” (Society). Regional genetics clinics are actually offer testing to those who have a family history with dementia, so that's nice to

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It provides the opportunity for prompt evaluation of the patient and possibly administer tests and treatments for reversing and determining the causes of memory loss. In addition, early diagnosis provides time for patients and families to prepare for the future and most importantly it maximizes the patients opportunity to contribute to their own care planning process. As previously stated, the diagnosis of dementia most commonly takes place in the primary care setting. During primary care visits with older or elderly people the interactions tend to be brief and patients often present multiple health conditions that they are experiencing. It can be challenging for the physician to pin point those intersecting health concerns with Alzheimer’s if they are not properly trained to do so.

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Blood tests. An example of your blood is analyzed in a lab to check whether anything in your blood demonstrates the likelihood of malignancy.

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Introduction Alzheimer’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events or short memory loss. As the disease advances, symptoms can include difficulty with language, disorientation, mood swing and behavior problems. As a person 's condition progressed, they often withdraw from friends and family. Slowly, bodily functions deteriorated and eventually death occurs.

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Copeland carefully selects words in the introduction to emphasize an overall nonchalance in compiling such comprehensive information, “Over the past five years, as the price of DNA testing kits has dropped and their quality has improved, the phenomenon of ‘recreational genomics’ has taken off,” (Copeland). The use of “recreational” suggests the practice of gathering broad scientific information lacks gravity. In fact, the author contrasts the word with more levity with the use of “genomics”, a concrete science that affects the structure and function of genetic information. The dramatic usage indicates to the audience that users of DNA testing are incapable of understanding all possible consequences of accessible genetic testing. Traditions of past generations provide a foundation for the identity of future generations.

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“Genetic Testing and Secrets” In the article “Secrets of the Grave” it talks about how genetic testing can raise questions relating to the ethical way of getting genetic information and other questions relating to those they are testing. It can also lead to the use of and collection of questionable products such as jewelry with a famous persons DNA in it. This has lead policymakers to start to question the ethics of Biohistory, meaning whether a relative should be asked if genetic testing is ok or if the products being sold are appropriate. Scientist can use Biohistory which is the combination of biological testing and history.

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DNA profiling was first established in 1985, and has seen extensive use in the field of forensic science and genomics. DNA profiling was developed in 1984 by Alec Jeffreys, after he noticed that certain sequences of highly variable DNA, which were non-coding, were repeated within genes (McKie, 2009). He recognised that each individual has a unique pattern of non-coding DNA sequences therefore allowing them to be profiled. The process has helped the police in solving crime cases over the years, as every individual’s DNA is unique to their characteristics, forensic scientists can use the DNA at a crime scene to identify the victims, reduce the number of wrongful arrests, increase the reliability of evidence, and provide information at crime scenes where there are no witnesses. The purpose of the investigation is to analyse whether newborn infants should have their DNA profiled and stored in a database at birth.

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Though these tests may be considered unethical, it is close minded thinking. Tests have to be conducted on people to provide correct information to help individuals everywhere. Whether it be injecting a child with pus, exposing the human body to different conditions, or making vaccines to incurable diseases, it has aided individuals for a better future. These tests have provided pills, shots, and a better understanding of the human body. Human experimentation has widely impacted the lives of those who are living to this

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Outsiders Essay Have you ever wanted to experience what the 1960’s for a teenager were like? “The Outsiders”, by S.E Hinton is a perfect take on two rival gangs in the sixties. These two gangs are the greasers and the socs. They constantly are brawling and getting in trouble with each other.

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To confirm the diagnosis a karyotype (which is a photograph of chromosomes that have been dyed and arranged in some way to know the number and structure of chromosomes and to find genetic abnormalities) is

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Throughout the ages of mankind, asking questions about their future and the world is normal. Whether it 's what causes a person to have certain traits, or why a banana has Potassium in it. When scientists discovered hereditary and genes, it led to the discovery of altering DNA, and how could change our society. Genetic Engineering is modifying the genetic material in foods and organisms. Genetic Engineering is beneficial and should be encouraged in all countries.

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According to “The Pros and Cons of a Predictive Alzheimer’s Test” by Esther Heerema, “A person who knows he has the disease may focus on every little memory slip and lose confidence in his own abilities to live independently and make decisions.” Others say that if the patient is told of his Alzheimer’s he will be able to prepare emotionally and physically for the change. If a patient is not informed of having Alzheimer’s, he can avoid losing confidence in their memories and live the rest of his life without worrying about when the Alzheimer’s is going to take over. Alzheimer’s patients should not be told so they do not lose confidence in

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Are genetically modified foods creating or solving problems? “Genetically modified food” is a term rapidly becoming more frequently debated in conversation today. Discussion with regards to its use or even place in our society is on going, with conflicting arguments always prevalent. Many people believe that genetically modified foods are creating problems within society, while others argue the opposite and believe genetically modified foods are in fact solving problems. Both sides offer sound argument, however by analysing research and genetically modified food history, one can ascertain that genetically modified foods are proffering more solutions to issues in our world rather than creating them.

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Should Informed Consent be required for Genetic Testing on Newborns? The Dilemma Should informed consent be required for genetic testing on newborns? Informed consent is defined as “voluntary agreement given by a person or a patients’ responsible proxy (for example, a parent) for participation in a study, immunization program, treatment regimen, invasive procedure, etc., after being informed of the purpose, methods, procedures, benefits, and risks”. (Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary, 2012)

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Letting insurance companies have access to these results gives them a better chance to determine the cost of one’s health insurance. Insurance companies have the right to differentiate premiums on the level of risk each applicant has (Morris, 2010). Having access to genetic testing allows them to be much more fair, as most of the time, insurance companies have to look at family history. This can be skewed, because your family members having a genetic disorder doesn’t automatically make you have it, even if most of your family members get it. This can cause someone who doesn’t have a genetic disorder having to pay more because their family has a history of a certain genetic disorder.

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As technology advances, more things become possible.  One of these things is genetically modifying a baby, this is very wrong.  Genetic modifying or genetic engineering is altering someone or something’s DNA.  Scientists hope to cure diseases with this method, but doing this can lead to some harmful effects.  This process is very unethical.

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