Most people who are at an increased genetic risk of developing Alzheimer's disease want to know if they have a gene that puts them even further at risk, University of Michigan researchers found in a recent study.

The study, which tested 162 people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease, also found that depression or other psychological anxiety caused by learning about increased risk is temporary, said Scott Roberts, a U-M School of Public Health researcher and co-author of the findings.

"The findings show if you do (disclose this genetic information) genetic counseling may be an important component to ensure that most people do not respond with significant distress," Roberts said in a release. "Genetic counselors help put the test results in context so that people understand the meaning and limits of the results."

During the study, subjects were offered an educational session before undergoing the test to determine their genetic risk for the disease. After the session, about 80 percent chose to go forward with the tests.

Researchers measured the subjects' depression and anxiety over the next year and found that after six months to a year, their anxiety and depression stabilized.

The study was published in the New England Journal of Health. According to U-M, it could play a role in a debate in the medical community about disclosing if a patient has the specific gene that has been identified in patients who have more than a 50 percent lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at 734-623-2535 or tinareed@annarbor.com.