Would You Take a Test to Predict Alzheimer's Disease?

"World News" wants to know what you think. Share your comments below.

ByABC News
August 10, 2010, 8:37 AM

Aug. 10, 2010— -- Researchers have developed a new test for Alzheimer's disease that they claim is extremely accurate, according to a study in the journal Archives of Neurology.

The test uses a spinal fluid sample to determine whether people with memory loss are on their way to developing Alzheimer's or if they're suffering mild cognitive impairment.

Although there is no known way to effectively treat Alzheimer's disease, a test has been an enduring goal in medicine. Not everyone agrees that this test is the long-awaited solution, however.

"This test isn't ready to be used on healthy, normal people," Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News senior medical editor, said on "Good Morning America."

"It will be useful for research, doing drug trials in a group of people who may be at high likelihood to go on for Alzheimer's disease."

Even if this test isn't the answer, there's no doubt that researchers will continue to develop Alzheimer's tests in the hopes of making them widely available.

Our question to you today: Would you take a test to predict whether you'll have Alzheimer's disease?

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