A debate is raging among researchers who are focused on Alzheimer's, the debilitating, memory-eroding disease from which more than 35 million people worldwide suffer. While there is currently no precise diagnostic test for Alzheimer's — some techniques under development, like an eye scan or a blood test, are years away from approval — an innovative type of brain scan that can detect early signs of Alzheimer's is expected to be available within months. Doctors and Alzheimer's patient advocates, however, wonder if such screening will create undue anxiety in patients, since the disease is incurable, and even the best available treatments don't always slow its progress. Should doctors begin routine testing for Alzheimer's?
Yes. It would clear up confusion: A lot of conditions — such as insomnia — have symptoms that look a lot like Alzheimer's, says Dr. R. Scott Turner, as quoted by the Associated Press. That's why we need these tests. Patients sometimes get an improper diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's without being tested to see if they have another condition. "Sometimes it's thyroid disease, or depression, or vitamin B-12 deficiency — something that's very treatable." Every misdiagnosis represents a lost opportunity to help, and this test would bring more accuracy to doctors' work.
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