Is anyone registered on 23andMe.com?

[Linda and "Toby"]

About a year ago, my husband and 2 (adult) kids and I all ordered saliva test kits from www.23andme.com. (Google invested $3.9 million in this company, which intrigued us.)  It's a DNA analysis service that helps you explore your DNA. The results are FASCINATING! You can trace your ancestry... find relatives... access over 200 online health trait reports including carrier status, drug response and disease risk... and participate/support valuable research in genome studies. 

I've connected with numerous cousins including some that I share an ancestor with from the 1700's (comparing surnames in our family trees confirmed this)... I've discovered what my risks are for getting  diabetes, cancer, Parkinsons, kidney disease, and much much more. I've discovered that I have a genetic variation that makes Plavix ineffective - it will not help me prevent blood clots. (Good to know!) I also have a decreased risk of getting Coronary Heart Disease, Celiac Disease, Ovarian Cancer, etc. (Nice!) And I've discovered, among lots of other things, that I'm a slow caffeine metabolizer. Too much coffee puts me at an increased risk of having a heart attack, whereas my husband, who is a fast caffeine metabolizer can reduce his risk of a heart attack by drinking coffee. (!)

I highly recommend treating yourself to this DNA test. Knowing what you are genetically predisposed to - or NOT predisposed to - in the way of disease risks, drug responses and more can help you make lifestyle choices (and in some cases, important changes) that could possibly save your life! And it's FUN!

[Linda and "Toby"]

You're welcome! And you didn't dampen the mood at all! I'm happy to know that 23andMe.com is conducting this research. I have a friend in NJ whose wife has PD. I will be sure to let them know about this study.