Folk singer Arlo Guthrie, whose father died of Huntington’s disease, had the opportunity to obtain genetic testing to ascertain if he had inherited the gene that would cause this disease. What did Arlo decide and what was the outcome?
1) He had genetic testing and was found not to be genetically susceptible.
2) He chose not to have genetic testing and did not develop the disease.
3) Genetic testing found that he was a carrier and he was successfully treated.
4) He chose not to have genetic testing but is now incapacitated by the disease.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Arlo Guthrie chose not to have genetic testing to determine whether he had inherited the gene for Huntington’s disease. As a result, he did not develop the disease, which makes the correct answer 2) He chose not to have genetic testing and did not develop the disease.
Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to a progressive decline in motor control, cognitive abilities, and emotional stability. It typically manifests in mid-adulthood and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that an individual with one copy of the mutated gene has a 50% chance of developing the disorder. Given his father’s battle with Huntington’s disease, Guthrie faced a deeply personal decision regarding genetic testing.
Guthrie’s choice reflects a significant psychological and emotional struggle that many individuals with a family history of hereditary diseases encounter. By opting against testing, he avoided the anxiety that could come with knowing his genetic status. This decision can be seen as an act of self-preservation, allowing him to live without the constant fear of the disease looming over him.
Moreover, Guthrie has expressed that he preferred to focus on living his life fully rather than being preoccupied with the potential future of developing a debilitating condition. His decision not only impacted his own mental health but also offered him the freedom to maintain a positive outlook without the burden of knowing his genetic fate. As it stands, he has not developed Huntington’s disease, underscoring that the choice of whether to undergo genetic testing is highly personal and can vary greatly from person to person.