A Friend Confides That His Father Has Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Multiple Choice

A friend confides that his father has late-onset Alzheimer's disease and he is concerned about developing the disease in the future. He asks if there is a biological test he can take to determine his risk. Based on current research, the BEST response is:

A) "You should have blood work done. If you have high levels of zinc or lead, you have a 50 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease."
B) "You can have genetic testing done on your father. If he has beta-amyloid precursor protein or presenilin protein, there is a significant chance you will develop Alzheimer's as well."
C) "There are no definitive tests today, but early research shows that brain scanning combined with biological tests may be of value in the future."
D) "Researchers have confirmed that the only biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease are neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques, which can be confirmed only after death."