This is the very first time I have tried to go on a forum, as advised by my GP.
I am hoping for some advice. My doctor has suggested I should take a memory test to diagnose whether I have dementia. I understand that many people choose to take this test so that they know what will happen and be able to plan for the future. However, I do not want to take this test, as I would rather keep the possibility of having the hope of not having dementia. This is extremely important for me.
If I took the test and it was positive I would not want to live. I would hate a life of being cared for, and I would have no hope or meaning of life. I only have one long-suffering friend - nobody else - and I often feel desperately lonely. I am not suicidal!
I have had memory problems for a couple of years. My manager now wants me to take the test and consider possible medical retirement which might give me some money if I had to stop working. This could give a diagnosis of Alzheimers, and I cannot agree to this as it would be soul-destroying to my wellbeing.
The other option, which I will probably take, is to refuse the test and therefore get sacked from work due to not doing my job adequately. This would compound my poor self esteem and less money. I also have some permanent physical problems which prevent me from socializing.
Any ideas?
I am hoping for some advice. My doctor has suggested I should take a memory test to diagnose whether I have dementia. I understand that many people choose to take this test so that they know what will happen and be able to plan for the future. However, I do not want to take this test, as I would rather keep the possibility of having the hope of not having dementia. This is extremely important for me.
If I took the test and it was positive I would not want to live. I would hate a life of being cared for, and I would have no hope or meaning of life. I only have one long-suffering friend - nobody else - and I often feel desperately lonely. I am not suicidal!
I have had memory problems for a couple of years. My manager now wants me to take the test and consider possible medical retirement which might give me some money if I had to stop working. This could give a diagnosis of Alzheimers, and I cannot agree to this as it would be soul-destroying to my wellbeing.
The other option, which I will probably take, is to refuse the test and therefore get sacked from work due to not doing my job adequately. This would compound my poor self esteem and less money. I also have some permanent physical problems which prevent me from socializing.
Any ideas?