What will be the point of getting tested for Alzheimer's at age 60? Currently, there is no prevention for Alzheimer's. Once it's detected, nothing will stop its development. If you have started with early onset Alzheimer's you wouldn't be aware of it and you wouldn't be asking to be tested. Traditional neurologic and neuropsychological evaluations will be negative, unless you already started having early symptoms. Research is being conducted to develop tests that will catch Alzheimer's long before the appearance of the first symptoms. However, nothing is available at this time. PET scans that can estimate the density and distribution of amyloid plaques and TAU neurofibrillary tangles are available for research studies. The problem is that these tests, only become positive after the Alzheimer's brain degeneration has began. Since there is no way to prevent Alzheimer's from setting in, what will be gained? The only thing perhaps, is that you can start early, putting all your financial affairs in order. If you want to be tested because you have noticed some cognitive impairment, that will be fine and perhaps necessary. However, it will unlikely be Alzheimer's. There are many other causes of memory and concentration loss. Like TBI (traumatic brain injury), usage of minor tranquilizers, alcohol abuse, illegal drug usage, ADHD, brain tumors, stroke, psychological conditions and others. A neuropsychological and neurological evaluations are recommended for any type of cognitive symptoms, and not only for Alzheimer's screening.
It will be no surprise to know I disagree completely with the above. While it is true there is no cure for Alzheimer's or for any other dementia at this time, I myself believe that knowing is of enormous value, especially early on. It is completely untrue that if this OP has early Alzheimer's he or she wouldn't be asking. I will give an example in my brother's case. He had a "probably early Lewy's dementia" diagnosed by symptoms only. He first noted a loss of sense of smell. His balance was later affected. Next came some nighttime hallucinations he recognized were very different from dreams. He was worried and anxious. It was a relief when he was diagnosed, but unfortunately that didn't happen until his "truck accident". As we got everything together, his making me Trustee of his Trust and POA and billpayer for all things, his selling his last home and moving to assisted living, and etc. he often told me that while he wasn't glad to know what his future held he was glad to know the reasons for the visual hallucinations, for the balance changes and so on. He was able to talk and adjust. He died of sepsis some two years after diagnosis, but I will only say he was glad to know. Having read Amy Blume's book, In Love, about her husband's early Alzheimer's I will say they were ALSO glad to know, and he was, what changes were occurring, what to expect. I would want to know. And often there are things that people FEAR are signs of early Alzheimer's that are in fact anxiety, other things that can be helped. So I disagree that the choice OP is making in wishing to be tested is a poor choice. Once again, TChamp, I would remind you that we are all different. Your choices are your choices and I would honor your making them. But others do not think you choices make sense for them. I encourage our OP in Chico to discuss this with his or her own doctor for advice, guidance, and reassurance.
Because we are an international forum, we cannot give you those specifics. A Neurologist would be the Doctor who would do screenings and tests. I suggest you see your PCP. He can give you a good physical and run labs to check your numbers. It could be something physical like Thyroid, low potassium. high blood sugar or something else causing Dementia like symptoms. He can also give you a quick cognitive test.
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If you need to get more information, check Alz.org for the Sacramento or Davis areas. Chico's less likely to have a lot of resources.
(Hubby was a Chico Wildcat.)
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Here is a link to just one.
https://trailblazer3study.com/?fbclid=IwAR2a4CY4rNN9pa-VX8CkkarENSGThZkDfnbSQFexvUh38DIfhwUDcAezCOo
If you want to be tested because you have noticed some cognitive impairment, that will be fine and perhaps necessary. However, it will unlikely be Alzheimer's. There are many other causes of memory and concentration loss. Like TBI (traumatic brain injury), usage of minor tranquilizers, alcohol abuse, illegal drug usage, ADHD, brain tumors, stroke, psychological conditions and others. A neuropsychological and neurological evaluations are recommended for any type of cognitive symptoms, and not only for Alzheimer's screening.
I will give an example in my brother's case. He had a "probably early Lewy's dementia" diagnosed by symptoms only. He first noted a loss of sense of smell. His balance was later affected. Next came some nighttime hallucinations he recognized were very different from dreams. He was worried and anxious. It was a relief when he was diagnosed, but unfortunately that didn't happen until his "truck accident". As we got everything together, his making me Trustee of his Trust and POA and billpayer for all things, his selling his last home and moving to assisted living, and etc. he often told me that while he wasn't glad to know what his future held he was glad to know the reasons for the visual hallucinations, for the balance changes and so on. He was able to talk and adjust. He died of sepsis some two years after diagnosis, but I will only say he was glad to know.
Having read Amy Blume's book, In Love, about her husband's early Alzheimer's I will say they were ALSO glad to know, and he was, what changes were occurring, what to expect.
I would want to know.
And often there are things that people FEAR are signs of early Alzheimer's that are in fact anxiety, other things that can be helped.
So I disagree that the choice OP is making in wishing to be tested is a poor choice.
Once again, TChamp, I would remind you that we are all different. Your choices are your choices and I would honor your making them. But others do not think you choices make sense for them.
I encourage our OP in Chico to discuss this with his or her own doctor for advice, guidance, and reassurance.
I would look for online options first.
This is one
https://foodforthebrain.org/the-cognitive-function-test/
You.May find helpful information at
https://www.alz.org/