Genetic Tests – A Future Without Fear!
WHY IS IT WORTH KNOWING?
Aging is influenced by both genetics and external factors—environment, lifestyle, diet, stress, and more. In the Baltics, genetic testing is still relatively new, though it has been used worldwide for over 20 years. This method allows individuals to understand and manage aging processes and health conditions even before unwanted changes occur.
“Genetic tests provide a view of the future, enabling preventive control of the body's aging process throughout life, avoidance of risk factors, and precise selection of the most appropriate preventive methods for each individual,” says Dr. Jana Janovska, dermatologist and specialist in preventive medicine at the "Anti-Aging Institute" branch of "Veselības centrs 4."
Tests can detect gene changes and risk factors for the development of certain diseases at an early stage. With this information, it's possible to take proactive measures to prevent potential illnesses. As a result, specialists can precisely and individually recommend additional examinations, lifestyle adjustments, medications, vitamins, and micronutrients. It is particularly important for those in risk groups to undergo genetic testing, such as those with a family history of oncological diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, migraines, autoimmune, or mental disorders.
Genetic testing is a part of personalized medicine, which is a cornerstone of the anti-aging field. Personalized medicine focuses on the individual. By working with anti-aging specialists, patients' health risk factors are assessed, their personal and family medical histories are reviewed, and genetic tests (DNA mutations) encoded in our DNA and unchanging throughout life are analyzed. We are shaping the future now! We have the opportunity to get ahead of diseases and premature aging by precisely choosing the most suitable preventive measures for ourselves.
THE GENETIC TESTING PROCESS
Genetic tests are prescribed and interpreted by a physician specializing in preventive medicine. Certain tests can be prescribed and interpreted by a specialist in the relevant field—such as a dermatologist, nutritionist, etc.
During the consultation, which lasts 40-60 minutes, the doctor fills out a patient questionnaire, evaluates the medical history, and assesses risk groups. Additional measurements may be taken if necessary.
The testing material consists of saliva or blood, collected in a special container.
The biomaterial is sent to a laboratory, where, depending on the test type, results are available within 1-10 weeks (usually within one month) and provide information about potential diseases and lifetime risk factors.
Genetic tests are carried out in laboratories in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Latvia.
After receiving the test results, the doctor interprets them and prepares personalized recommendations.
In a follow-up visit, the preventive medicine doctor explains the test results, suggests preventive measures, and prescribes additional tests and appropriate therapies if necessary.
No special preparation is needed for the tests, except the patient must refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking for one hour before sample collection.
Genetic analyses are conducted once in a lifetime, as human DNA remains unchanged throughout life.
