GeneMatch: A Novel Recruitment Registry Using At-Home APOE Genotyping to Enhance Referrals to Alzheimer's Prevention Studies

GeneMatch is a first trial-independent research enrollment program designed to recruit and refer cognitively healthy adults to Alzheimer’s prevention studies based in part on APOE test results. It enrolls individuals aged 55 to 75 years who live in the United States and self-report not having a diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Participants enroll online and are provided a cheek swab kit for APOE genotyping. Participants are not told their APOE results, though the results may be used in part to help match people to Alzheimer’s prevention studies. As of August 2018, more than 75,000 participants had joined GeneMatch. Nearly 30 percent of participants have one APOE ε4 allele, and approximately 3 percent have two APOE ε4 alleles.

Langbaum JB, Karlawish J, Roberts JS, et al. GeneMatch: A novel recruitment registry using at-home APOE genotyping to enhance referrals to Alzheimer’s prevention studies. Alzheimer’s & Dementia 2019:15(4):515-524.