Mar 13, 2008 11:00 am US/Eastern
Health: Alzheimer's Test
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Florence Spano makes sure her 88-year-old mother Yolanda, who is bed ridden with Alzheimer's disease, gets fresh flowers every week.
"You lose the person in stages, so we've had to mourn the loss of her many different times," said Florence. It's a disease that runs in the family. Caretakers feel the burden most, and now Florence is worried her children will suffer like she has.
"I don't want them to feel guilty. It's very difficult to see a loved one incapacitated like this," said Florence. Hoping to ease the potential burden, she wants to take a new at home test to determine her risk for developing Alzheimer's.
"I want to make it an easy transition if it happens. I don't want them to have to back and forth is this the right decision is this the wrong decision what would mom wants us to do," said Florence.
It's called Alzheimer's Mirror, a $399 test, for healthy people. It will be available online for people to buy in the next couple of weeks. A saliva sample is sent to a lab to test for a gene linked to Alzheimer's. The results show whether you're at an increased or decreased risk, and are given by genetic councilors over the phone.
"It's just a very personal decision," said Julian Awad, the developer of the at home Alzheimer's test. He watched 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," said Julian.
Since there is no way to prevent Alzheimer's, critics question the value of the test. But studies have shown drugs and staying mentally active can delay the onset, and reduce the severity of the disease.
"I think the whole key for me would be preparation, educate my family, make memories, laugh and have some humor. I will ya know, write down my favorite color. I want to write down for my children," said Florence.
Already suspecting what the test will show, Florence is hoping preparation will make the long and slow journey into darkness a little less painful for those who have to watch.
For more information or questions about the disease, the Alzheimer's Association has a 24 hour hotline available. The number to call is 1-800-272-3900.
Related Links:
Alzheimer Mirror Information
Alzheimer's Association
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