Would you want to Know?

[sr71blackbird]

There is a new study being done (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1243181/Simple-eye-test-Alzheimers-catch-disease-crucial-early-stage.html)that indicates that Alzheimers can be detected by a relatively simple eye test during an exam 20 years before the onset of symptoms with incredible accuracy. The British researchers say that with early detection, a medication course can all but halt the progression of the disease in its tracks.
I asked a female friend if she would ask for the test when having her eyes examined, and she said no, she would rather not know. She said she would not want to know that such a fate awaits her in 20 years time.
I think it makes sense to know because if I was doomed to get the disease, I could at least try the medication they say may halt it.


Would you rather know or not know?



http://mydailycolumn.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/graphics-alzheimers.jpg

[razorboy]

Sure, I'd want to know. Best case scenario, I could seek preventative treatment. Worst case scenario, I wouldn't remember.

[jennysmurf]

Sure, I'd want to know. That way, I could have a plan in place for when it happens. I could have my will done up and everything taken care of before I'm no longer able. Plus, like Razorboy said, they might be able to prevent it if they knew far enough ahead.

[Misteriosa]

Sure, I'd want to know. That way, I could have a plan in place for when it happens. I could have my will done up and everything taken care of before I'm no longer able. Plus, like Razorboy said, they might be able to prevent it if they knew far enough ahead.

Exactly. my great aunt is suffering from Alzheimer's. her estate is all a mess. sometimes she's in a good state of mind, others not so much. she contradicts herself a lot and its enabled her unscrupulous children to rob her blind. she is living with my grandmother right now. her children have pretty much emptied her accts.

i dont want that to be me.

[TripleSkeet]

This question makes no sense. You say if you get tested and find out you have it, they can give you medication to prevent it. So why the hell wouldnt you want to know?????

Its one thing if they said "We can detect it, but theres nothing we can do about it." But if you can halt the progression, youd be a moron not to get tested.

[opie's twisted balls]

What was the question?

[SatCam]

even if you get the test, by the time you have alzheimers youll be wondering why you didnt get the test

[STC-Dub]

I would like to know.

[Chigworthy]

even if you get the test, by the time you have alzheimers youll be wondering why you didnt get the test

I chortled at this.

[PapaBear]

I've been a little concerned about my father lately. For the past few weeks, he keeps calling Brett Favre, Bart Starr.

[boosterp]

I have read this study as well as letters that came from the experts, etc. Of course very little is exact and although I can't exactly point it out I think there is a flaw in their methodology and the analysis.

On topic though: I have had my estate, a living will, and an advanced directive since joining the Army. We had to plan for the worst, hell we were deployed to shit conditions where security was not a guarantee. I have taken that mentality and carried it today. My parents and my blood brother are taken care of for life.

That said, I would no longer be living as soon as my memory started to go due to Alzheimer's or dementia thanks to an arrangement I have. I already have a crappy memory due to depression, etc and I do not need worse.

[sr71blackbird]

Bro, Im kind of afraid to ask what kind of arrangement you have. :down:
I wouldnt mind someone pulling my plug if that happened to my mind as well, but I worry about asking someone and somehow held accountable.

[boosterp]

Bro, Im kind of afraid to ask what kind of arrangement you have. :down:
I wouldnt mind someone pulling my plug if that happened to my mind as well, but I worry about asking someone and somehow held accountable.

If hospitalized and unable to make the decision myself, my mom has medical power of attorney and will make the decision. I have an advanced directive that states nothing beyond CPR to try to save me.

Otherwise I have an assisted suicide pact if need be.