Brain Scan to diagnose Alzheimers

[rov1100]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12653306

Is it a good idea to have a scan knowing you could get full blown Alzheimers later in your life but there is currently no cure?
As the scan is 85% correct is it enough when 15 out of every 100 will get a false reading?

[LazyGun]

Well, its not being promoted as some kind of general purpose public health, preventative scan of the adult population.

My understanding of the way they are intending to use it is as a diagnostic aide in those patients where there may be some behavioural evidence of dementia / alzheimers. In that respect it is very much better than the current suite of indicators they have, which only offer about a 50% or so predictive value.

And it is always better to obtain an early diagnosis. Late or slow onset diseases can be managed better, family and friends can be prepared, finances can be sorted out. Living in blissful ignorance is not a situation I would like.

[rov1100]

Yes some people like to know their fate. Like a DNA sample that can predict many illnesses it may be advantageous to your offspring to plan your affairs.

However we all have to die sometime and not knowing your fate keeps you sane. Also your future is in the hands of others. Applying for insurance and maybe even a job you are committed to tell the truth and the avenues open will be seriously curtailed. Human nature being what it is will involve a great deal of personal worry as its like a death sentence.

What may happen is the suicide rate will go up especially if the person affected will feel he may be a burden on any future carer.

[Graham-W]

My Mother in Law has just been diagnosed with early stage Alzhiemers which was confirmed by a brain scan.
Now that has been confirmed she has been prescribed Aricept which is a cholinesterase inhibitor and may slow down the onset of full blown Altzhiemers.
This is why the brain scan is so important.