Should I be Tested for Alzheimer’s Disease?
| Pros | Cons |
| If test positive, by the time symptoms begin my family could have communicated and planned for the future effectively (i.e. desires, will, finances, long-term care). Note: Should do this even without testing. | If test positive, I may live with anxiety, while waiting for symptoms to begin. Note: This is a big Con if predisposed to anxiety. |
| A positive test may improve my eligibility for trial Alzheimer’s treatments. | If test positive, physicians may avoid tests for a myriad of other causes, due to believing it is Alzheimer’s. |
| A positive test may incentivize me to follow a lifestyle that might prevent or delay the onset of symptoms (i.e. regular exercise, healthy diet, mental stimulation, quality sleep, stress management, active social life – benefits even if don’t experience symptoms). | If test negative, may de-incentivize me to do some of the things in the Pros column. |
| A positive test may incentivize me to speed up checking off my bucket list items. | If test positive and need arises for new health insurance, pre-existing disqualification may exist. Note: ACA currently a benefit in this area. |
| If test positive, If and when symptoms begin my family and friends may have a better understanding of what is happening and why I am acting differently. | |
| If Alzheimer’s test is negative, may direct physicians to look harder for other causes of dementia symptoms, some of which have cures (also see Cons). | |
| A positive test might cause someone to plan on how to become Medicaid eligible (estate planning). |