The Alzheimer's world was rattled yesterday by the news of a study which claimed to be able to predict who will get Alzheimer's disease. Like all such studies, there are many more tests which will need to be conducted. However, this test proved accurate for 90% of subjects tested.
90%
That is a huge number. Even if this test ultimately proves not to be able to state which individuals will suffer from the tragedy of losing themselves, it certainly seems that this new test will at least be able to alert folks who are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
In answering the question of who will get Alzheimer's, scientists have now raised another and perhaps more difficult question: Would you want to know?
For years, one of the more tragic elements of Alzheimer's and dementia has been its "Russian Roulette-ish" nature. Each passing year brings with it the guarantee of entering into a higher risk category. Like the click of an empty chamber, each birthday draws us closer and closer to the moment when the odds are stacked against us. By the age of 80, roughly half of all Americans will develop Alzheimer's disease.
Up until now it has been impossible to predict who will get Alzheimer's disease. Certain family indicators and/or injuries could raise the stakes but other than that the disease seems to pick its victims at will. You. You. Not you. Not you. You. Me.
There are currently no effective treatments, no vaccines or preventative methods. There is currently no cure.
So would you want to know?
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