One day there could be accessible accurate predictive testing for common deadly conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease known for the symptomatic significant cognitive decline experienced by suffers, is regarded as especially devastating by the general public. In that regard, researchers at a well-known medical school asked a basic question to a group of study participants. If you could know, would you want to know? Researchers followed up by asking participants what they would do given the results of a definitive test. The study confirms for medical professionals the high level of interest in the field of predictive diagnostics regardless of patient’s current health status. The results further indicate a need for related advanced care planning support services to those receiving test results.
Key Points:
- 1There is a high level of public interest in predictive tests for Alzheimer’s disease. This could be because Alzheimer’s is perceived as a particularly devastating disease.
- 2In a study the interest did not vary between individuals who were healthy and those suffering from many medical conditions, or by sex, race, functional status or perceived memory.
- 3A predictive test could provide an opportunity to prepare for Alzheimer’s disease and to make any necessary financial or family arrangements.
This interest, and the potential high demand for predictive testing, should be considered as these tests become available, so recourses are available to help counsel patients and prepare for the future.
Read the full article at: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-12-free-alzheimer-disease.html
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