Apr 21, 2008 10:37 pm US/Eastern
New Tool To Detect Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Association's toll-free helpline: 1-800-272-3900 (SE Fla.)
Alzheimer's Association's toll-free helpline: 1-866-266-0515 (National)
As Many As 5.2 Million People Are Living With Alzheimer's In The U.S.,
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
What if you could take a test in the comfort of your own home, that would let you know if you're at risk of developing alzheimer's disease? Such a test is about to be made available but
CBS4 Health Specialist Dr. Sean Kenniff says the decision to take the test is a very personal one.
"Hey there mom," Florence Spano greets her 88-year old mother who's bed ridden with Alzheimer's disease. She also makes sure she gets fresh flowers every week.
"You lose the person in stages, so we've had to mourn the loss of her many different times," Spano told Dr. Kenniff.
Alzheimer's often runs in families, and many times it is the caretakers who feel the burden most. Now Florence is worried her own children will someday suffer like she has.
"I don't want them to feel guilty. It's very difficult to see a loved one incapacitated like this," she says.
Hoping to ease the potential burden, Florence is taking the "Alzheimer's Mirror Test", to find out her risk for developing the disease.
"I want to make it an easy transition if it happens," she says, "I don't want them to have to back and forth is this the right decision is this the wrong decision what would mom want us to do."
Julian Awad developed the at-home test after watching the disease ravage his own grandfather.
"It's devastating to a family, and I think the more that you know, the more you can prepare and be ready," Awad said.
Florence agrees, "I think the whole key for me would be preparation, educate my family, make memories, laugh and have some humor."
Since there is no way to prevent Alzheimer's some critics question the value of the test, which costs around 400 dollars. But other experts say those who test positive may want to enroll in a clinical trial, start taking medications earlier, plan financially, or modify their lifestyle to lower their risk.
The Alzheimer's Association's toll-free helpline is 1-800-272-3900 (South East Florida Chapter), or 1-866-266-0515 (national).
Click here for more information from the official Alzheimer's Association website or for more information about the Alzheimer's Mirror test visit the website:
http://www.alzmirror.com/
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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