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My grandmother died of early Alzheimer's and I really don't know whether to get tested or not. It's more than likely genetic but how do you live knowing if it t
by pducks32 10y ago
My grandmother died of early Alzheimer's and I really don't know whether to get tested or not. It's more than likely genetic but how do you live knowing if it turns out I have the gene.
- alex_anglin 10y agoYou can still take steps to mitigate it, which are probably all considered good advice anyway: https://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_prevention_and_risk.asp https://www.alz.org/research/science/alzheimers_prevention_a...
- ajross 10y agoFWIW: this particular gene variant is extremely rare, and explains only a tiny fraction of early-onset Alzheimer's cases. It's not a therapeutically useful test to administer. The point of the article was that the known gene and near-certain likelihoods of developing the disorder among carriers make for a rich, laboratory-like setting for studying the disease progression.
- tallanvor 10y agoThe problem is that this is only one known cause, so getting tested and not having that gene doesn't mean you won't get it. Since that gene is pretty rare, I wouldn't see much value in it. That said, I do understand where you're coming from. My mother also had early-onset Alzheimer's, and it's really scary to know that it could happen to me as well.
- smileysteve 10y ago> how do you live knowing if it turns out I have the gene. reply You may be able to make end of life plans in certain countries before onset depending on your desires.
- taneq 10y agoMaybe it's worth it just on the basis that, in the unlikely event that you do have the gene, you may be able to contribute to research into the disease?