- Creating an innovative Course on Genetic Counseling (GC) on Neurodegenerative Disorders. - Supporting the introduction of GC Courses in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and other institutions. - Developing the “Transnational Implementation Guidelines for GC on Neurodegenerative Disorders”. - Cultivating new competencies, knowledge and new skills of students related to communication, empathy and support. - Supporting families by offering them an innovative GC approach. - Enhancing genetic literacy and understanding of the general public as well as behavioral and day life changes as predictive measures for Neurodegenerative Disorders.
Over the last 20 years, genetic tests have gained importance in personalized medicine and disease prevention, especially for healthy individuals who have a family history. Research has demonstrated that genetic testing (GT) for Neurodegenerative Disorders (ND) can be valuable and safe. However, individuals’ understandings of what GT can achieve, what they cannot achieve, and the risks they pose should be more realistic. A GT result can have a negative psychological impact and that depends on the way that healthcare professionals (HCP) disclose the genetic information. Nevertheless, when well-informative and supported Genetic Counseling (GC) sessions take place, the genetic information can cause positive changes which can work as predictive measures for the diseases. Nowadays, because of the lack of training on GC on ND, few HCP are prepared to address the genetic risks and manage the psychological impact of the disclosure to relatives. Thus there is an increased need to develop educational programs on GC. The main aim and central impact of this project are to support people and society to better understand the aims of GT and the usefulness of GC by involving students in an innovative learning and teaching setting.