Some mental health experts think all older people must be professionally evaluated for Alzheimer’s. Would you be better off if the disease could be diagnosed early, and if you and your relatives were tested?
Many groups now offer tests for memory problems, looking for signs of early Alzheimer’s Disease or various types of dementia. Some medical professionals already commonly test people over 65, commonly with questionnaires(“name as many countries that you can think of in 30 seconds,” and so on). There are also tests to assist you in self-diagnosis.
So when do you seek out medical providers to perform the necessary exams and tests? Perhaps this information can help.
Nationwide screening for Alzheimer’s is still controversial, and for many very good reasons:
It would include many people without any memory problems. Apart from the wasted cost and time, testing can lead to fear, depression, and disruption of the family unit.
There is no sure way to tell the difference between mild age-related cognitive impairment, which may never get worse, and early Alzheimer’s. If the exam shows that you’re okay now but may develop dementia further down the road, what can you do with that information?
Diagnostic exams for early dementia are unreliable, especially in people under the age of 70. Misdiagnoses could be devastating. People might lose their jobs, driver’s license or even possible care givers, and not be able to get insurance.
If early diagnosis leads into additional treatment with medicine, well, the jury is still out. Alzheimer’s drugs are high priced, and the drugs’ benefits are limited and of brief duration. They’re prescribed mainly for people who have been previously showing obvious signs of dementia.
Early diagnosis would truly assist the drug companies more than the public, according to some critics.
So where are we now?
Alzheimer’s may be the diagnosis people fear more than any other. The risk rises as one grows older, and the numbers are going up. We desperately need a better understanding of this terrible disease and better diagnostic tools. We need preventive means, as well as beneficial treatments. Further research into Alzheimer’s testing is crucial prior to burdening patients and their already overtaxed primary-care physicians with screening tests of dubious reliability and unproven benefits.
If you frightened that you or a family member is showing signs of severe memory loss or Alzheimer’s, go over the problem with your doctor. If tests reveal no problem, you’ll be happy. If you do get a diagnosis of dementia, you can get ready for the future to the best of your ability by beginning your search for a qualified dementia care facility and, if recommended, try the medicines that exist. We warm against the tests given at community centers and similar facilities, or any tests performed on your own.
It is, without doubt, less burdensome to know that there are many fantastic Alzheimer’s Care Facilities to provide the proper living environment and attention that anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s can turn to. It’s not an easy road, but there is information and help at your disposal if you are determined to seek it out.
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