Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease

Contributed by: Dennis Fortier, President, Medical Care Corporation
________________________________________________

It has been a long time coming but the the press and the general public are finally beginning to grasp the benefits of detecting Alzheimer's disease at an early stage.

A publication this week in the Archives of Neurology described a highly accurate test of spinal fluid for definitively diagnosing the pathology we associate with Alzheimer's disease. While the debate about "when the disease begins" will continue to rage (does it begin at the onset of definitive pathology or at the onset of symptoms?), a consensus has emerged that earlier detection is better.

Regular readers of this blog know that I am often flabbergasted at what I consider to be negative interpretations of scientific advance, superficial skepticism about progress, and nihilism with regards to our overall ability to combat dementia in an aging population. However, the press this week around this new diagnostic approach has been very positive.

As a case in point, this brief editorial posted today in the New York Times makes a cogent argument supporting early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. While many cling to the outdated dogma that, until a cure is found, it is better "not to know", recent scientific advances and some progressive thinking are ushering in a new paradigm.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A better understanding and more awareness of Alzheimer's related issues can impact personal health decisions and generate significant impact across a population of aging individuals. Please use the share button below to spread this educational message as widely as possible.

No comments :

Post a Comment