Should you be screened for Alzheimer's?

Everyone knows that the earlier you detect a disease the better. Early detection of Alzheimer's disease allows a patient to better plan for their future and to take medication to delay symptoms from worsening. Therefore it would follow that older people should have regular screenings for the disease. Not so fast say some experts and the argument against widespread early screenings was the subject of a recent story in the Wall Street Journal.

As with other types of screenings, with Alzheimer's there is no data showing that screening people who have not experienced memory problems leads to better outcomes than by not screening them. Worse is the issue of "false positives" that can put patients at risk for depression and anxiety.

The highly-respected non-profit Alzheimer's Association believe that the benefits of screening are clear for patients who are not exhibiting noticeable memory problems. This is in part because existing medications only help patients who are already suffering clear symptoms. Many of the organizations that promote early screening are funded at least in part by drug companies that have a vested interest in screenings.

It is worth noting that there is no debate in the value of screenings for people exhibiting worrisome symptoms. As always the best advice is to consult your own health-care provider who can factor in your personal health history into your decision.