Dimebon Over Counter Treatment Alzheimer Alzheimer's

Do people have the “right to know”  if they do have the genetic makeup that puts them at high risk for Alzheimer’s Disease ?  The situation is somewhat analogous to patient’s and their families who have family genetic lineages of Huntington’s Disease.

Huntington’s disease  according to the Mayo Clinic :

Huntington’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes certain nerve cells in your brain to waste away. As a result, you may experience uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances and mental deterioration.

Huntington’s disease is an inherited disease. Signs and symptoms usually develop in middle age. Younger people with Huntington’s disease often have a more severe case, and their symptoms may progress more quickly. Rarely, children may develop this condition.

Also called Huntington’s chorea, Huntington’s disease was documented in 1872 by American physician George Huntington. The name “chorea” comes from the Greek word for “dance” and refers to the incessant quick, jerky, involuntary movements that are characteristic of this condition.

Medications are available to help manage the signs and symptoms of Huntington’s disease, but treatments can’t prevent the physical and mental decline associated with the condition.

source link:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/huntingtons-disease/DS00401

The genetic predisposition of Huntington’s can be easily worked out by test and testing.  Its fairly standard to predict who and who will not in a lineage develop the disease , rather predictably.   Yet will it make any difference to the patient or their families  ?  Will they lead a life in dread or a more productive life.  If treatment or a “cure”  arrives or be developed – then so be it – outside of that person its fairly independent.  If the person was a celebrity they may have an impact in terms of awareness of the disease overall in the general population or medical community or perhaps fund raising as in the case of Mr. Monty Hall who as a matter of principle and promise is involved in many ongoing fund raising efforts.

In this case – the specific family tree line of the Guthrie family , and specifically Woody Guthrie – he has made a specific decision not to be informed of test results and to go on living his life otherwise .  As he points out clearly – what difference would it make to him if he knew the results.

However in the case of genetic predispositions to Alzheimer’s disease there are a number of other important considerations to take into account.

One is the fact that genetic testing for the most common type of Alzheimer’s disease – that is late onset disease – is far from conclusive.

The fact that these tests are far from conclusive adds even more to the mix that a decision either on the part of the patients or their families , to be informed , is not necessarily a good or prudent one , and may do far more harm and stress than good.  The onset of the disease , as a result of all the mental stress and turmoil may actually work to hasten the onset of the disease or perhaps other mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression themselves.  It is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Dimebon Alzheimer’s Disease

http://www.dimebonalzheimers.com

• What is "Tough Money Love" in Personal Finance? There are hundreds if not thousands of websites covering personal finance issues.  Most are hosted by vendors trying to sell you something.  Others dish out conventional advice that can be found...
• How To Find The Right Financial Planner Using 10 Questions Today, there are hundreds of thousands of people who call themselves financial planners, advisors or another type of financial professional. Maybe you've been wanting to work with one of these...
• Fourth of July and Business July 4th is considered the birthday of America.  We close all our government offices (should probably do this more often).  Have a cook out, blow some things up, and have...
• Tools to Have on Hand The best way to save money around the home is to tackle the home repair items yourself. Large jobs may be better suited for professionals, but there are plenty of...
• Health Vacations Taking vacations allows time for relaxing and enjoying yourself in being free from your everyday responsibilities at home and at the office. It is your moment to travel and explore...
• How to Name Your Car [/caption]When you purchase a new car, it is possible that after a certain amount of time you will develop a certain endearing attachment to it. Many people name their cars...
• Daily supplements for the aging While you should consult with a physician before undertaking radical changes to your diet or vitamin and supplement intake, we've listed here a few supplements that have become staples on...