IVF couple screened to avoid Alzheimer’s risk
(sz) A couple who fear their child could inherit a rare form of Alzheimer’s are to undergo embryo screening to eliminate the risk.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has granted a licence to a fertility clinic to carry out IVF treatment with the sole aim of ensuring that the dementia, which can take hold from the age of 35, is not passed on.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s can be passed down the generations and now joins the growing list of inheritable conditions for which doctors are allowed to test embryos.
The technique has sparked controversy because there is a one in four chance of discarding unaffected embryos. Opponents fear screening will lead to “designer babies” where parents choose hair colour, athletic ability and intelligence.
The Bridge Centre has been granted a licence by the authority to screen embryos for Charl and Danielle de Beer, from London. Specialists will only implant embryos that are not carrying the gene defect that leads to early onset of Alzheimer’s. more…
From: »The Daily Telegraph«