FAW: Indeed, for some, like Eva Finelle, the decision to take such a test is easy.
Ms. FINNELLE: I want to know. I want to know. I don’t want my family, my children to go through what I’ve gone though. It would give me preparation time to do what I want to do, to say what I want to say, to get my affairs in order, so to speak, for when I can’t think for myself.
FAW: For others, though, like Susan Davis, almost as old now as her father was when he started showing signs of the disease, the prospect of such a test is agonizing.
Ms. DAVIS: Hit the music”¦
FAW: Now a successful producer at North Carolina Public Radio and the mother of two, Susan Davis says that learning she might develop Alzheimer’s would not be a source of comfort but alarm.
Ms. DAVIS: I could find this out, and it really means nothing. It means nothing until they know what it means or until they can do something.
FAW (to Ms. Davis): Knowing that you might get it — it wouldn’t be helpful?
Ms. DAVIS: You know what this would do? This might drive me crazy.
FAW: Most of all, says Davis, if she learned she’ll develop Alzheimer’s that would be a cruel ethical dilemma: wait for the disease or take her life?
There is already a test for genetic markers, but as someone with it in the family, I would be pleased to see more accurate predictive tests developed. I don’t have the genetic markers for our familial type (which is genetic), but if I did, the doctor would have prescribed medicines which help slow the progress of the disease. So getting tested is well worth it, even if your “friends” shun you.
My father was diagnosed with Alzheimers 18 years ago.
His stable situation at his current 96 years of age denies the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Ethically, we exist in this life temporarily. We subject ourselves to God’s timing.
Don