Louisville doctor discusses importance of early testing for Alzheimer's
A new study suggests more older Americans want to know if they're in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers are getting close to releasing a new test to help people get screened for the disease.
"There's a greater degree of optimism than we've ever seen before," said Dr. Greg Cooper with Norton Healthcare.
Up until recently, most Americans did not want to know if they had Alzheimer's.
But now, with new treatment and easier testing on the horizon, that mindset is shifting.
"Now if people see that they see that there's something that we can do. There's a lot more interest in being proactive, taking control of your health, finding out the accurate diagnosis," Cooper said.
Cooper said the only way for people to get diagnosed is if they get a PET scan or spinal fluid exam. But a new test was just approved by the FDA that would only require a blood draw.
Cooper hopes that will roll out by next year.
"Obviously, a simple blood test is much easier," Cooper said.
Bobbie West was diagnosed with Alzheimer's two years ago, and since then, she's been on medication that has helped slow the progression of the disease. She says finding out she has Alzheimer's early on has been life changing.
"If it slows progression, then it won't get so bad so fast. And if they know it and they can get treatment," West said. "I mean, who knows? I guess I don't know any statistics, but I would think that it would be a real game changer."
Dr. Cooper says they have medication that can slow down the disease by 30%. He says that's why having early testing that's more readily available is imperative.