AFTD’ Manager of Genetic Initiatives Kim Jenny, MS, LCGC, attended the 2023 National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference, which took place October 16-21.

The conference kicked off with a symposium on ethical dilemmas that arise related to genetic counseling and genetic testing issues for FTD, ALS, and other neurodegenerative conditions, featuring a panel of genetic counselors with considerable experience with such diagnoses. The symposium also explored the evolution of ethical concerns related to adult-onset neurodegenerative conditions. The session was well attended, with approximately 50 genetic counselors present.

Attendees discussed challenging scenarios and ways to apply various ethical frameworks through a combination of lectures from experts, small group discussions, and debates. The session was organized by Laynie Dratch, ScM, CGC, of the University of Pennsylvania’s Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, and a panel of experts, including genetic counselors and ethics lawyers. This important session highlighted FTD and ALS, areas that are often underrepresented in the field of genetic counseling and genetics.