“To Know or Not to Know”

New research in Alzheimer’s awareness

What if you had the opportunity of finding out that there was a possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease within ten years? Would you want to know? Four years ago, Dr.William Klunk and Dr. Chester Mathis, with the University of Pittsburgh, developed Pittsburgh Compound B, PiB for short. PiB is a radioactive dye that is injected into the bloodstream where it then travels to the brain. PiB is ninety percent effective in correctly predicting the presence of beta amyloid plaques, which are thought to be indicators of Alzheimer’s disease (Malloy, 2008). Though the compound is not approved as of yet, it could not only diagnose the disease in living patients, but predict its onset (Malloy, 2008).

On September 10, 2008, Deidre Stein, BA, Family Service Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, talked to the Associations’ affliliated support group hosted at Elmcroft of Allison Park Assisted Living Community about PiB.

After learning what PiB is, the question of the night was, would you want to know? Most said, no they would not want to know, especially since there is no cure for this disease.

The topic of discussion then became, what would be the benefits of knowing?

We all agreed that discussing your future plans with your family would relieve them of the burden that all your needs and desires would be met.

Where you will live and who will take care of you when this disease progresses is the most important decision that needs to be made. Do you have family that is willing and able to take care of you in their home or yours?

If not, you may want to consider an assisted living community.

Elmcroft of Allison Park provides assistance for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We help with all activities of daily living – bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, provide nourishing meals and laundry and housekeeping services. We have an extensive activities program and on-site therapy.

Assisted Living is paid for privately, so knowing ahead how long your money will last will help in making your decision. There are some long term care insurance plans available to help with assisted living as well.

If you are a wartime veteran or a spouse of a wartime veteran, honorably discharged and need assistance with activities of daily living, you may be eligible for the Veterans Aid and Attendance special pension.

Appointing a power of attorney, both financial and healthcare, having a will and an advanced directive will give both you and your family peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed.

Again, if you had the opportunity of finding out that there was a possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease within ten years, would you want to know?

You may inquire with Katherine Prady at Elmcroft of Allison Park if considering assisted living at 412-487-6925 or kprady@seniorcare-corp.com or on the website at www.elmcroftal.com. The Alzheimer’s Association is available to you 24/7. Their helpline number is 1- 800-272-3900, their national website is www.alz.org and the local website is www.alz.org/pa. Deidre Stein may be contacted at 412-261-5040 x112 or at Deidre.Stein@alz.org.

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