Test For Alzheimer’s Gene Poses Dilemma For Families At Risk Of Developing Disease
The New York Times profiles two brothers facing 50-50 odds of carrying the mutated gene -- one chose to be tested and the other has not. In related news, The Tennessean reports on the difficulties loved ones face in caring for Alzheimer's patients.
The New York Times:
Screening For Alzheimer’s Gene Tests The Desire To Know
In the extended Reiswig family, Alzheimer’s disease is not just a random occurrence. It results from a mutated gene that is passed down from parent to child. If you inherit the mutated gene, Alzheimer’s will emerge at around age 50 — with absolute certainty. Your child has a 50-50 chance of suffering the same fate. The revelation came as a shock. And so did the next one: [Brothers, Marty and Matt Reiswig,] learned that there is a blood test that can reveal whether one carries the mutated gene. They could decide to know if they had it. Or not. (Kolata, 3/7)
The Tennessean:
Alzheimer's Sparks Struggles For Caregivers
Glenda Mernaugh gives her 87-year-old mother homework. Some mornings it's writing her birth date 10 times. Sometimes it's writing her name. But despite medication and memory exercises, Billy Jean Judd still forgets. (Todd, 3/6)
