Jun 30th, 2016
Reports began to surface earlier this month about a peanut butter smell test that could predict Alzheimer's. Unfortunately, the science doesn't back up what could have been a great development in the study for earlier Alzheimer's detection.
The Problem
Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimers is one of the most important fields of research in this area right now. It's important because early detection can extend the quality of life of the patient (alz.org) and may even help get treated. Here are just a few recent headlines on the subject, which shows the range of early detection mechanisms being considered:
- Alzheimer's detected before symptoms via new eye technology
- Artificial Intelligence Could Help Catch Alzheimer's Early
- Research finds technique for early detection of Alzheimer's in animals
- MRIs may help early detection of Alzheimer's, as blood flow changes
So, naturally, Peanut Butter was next on the list. Well, unfortunately, it turns out that the concept of such a simple test wasn't able to be replicated. The original article had to be updated after a UPenn group of scientists was unable to replicate the study.
How Long Term Care Insurance Fits In
Until there is a definitive way to diagnose, and treat Alzheimer's, millions of Americans are at risk of developing this disease, generally later in life but not always. There are massive emotional tolls that this disease can take on a family, but there is also the possibility of financial ruin - a possibility that cannot be overlooked. Until more Americans begin to plan ahead and declare financial independence, a massive portion of the population is at risk of having to spend virtually all of their savings on Long Term Care - be it at home, in assisted living, or in nursing homes.
Long Term Care Insurance was developed initially in the 1970s but really took off in the nineties and early 2000's as a way to buy inexpensive protection that provides reimbursement for actual expenses should one develop the need for care - due to Alzheimer's or anything else that meets the practical and sensible benefit triggers defined in most tax-qualified LTC policies.
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