Would You Submit to an Alzheimer's Gene Test?

Now that accurate testing for the Alzheimer's gene is possible, would you submit to a test to see if you carry it? Join Lily Tomlin, Sheila Nevins, Liz Smith and the wOw Women in the Conversation.

LILY TOMLIN: Jane and I want to be proactive but we want to be in denial about our potential decline. So, I will secretly have Jane tested and she will secretly have me tested and then we'll secretly treat each other with drugs and supplements that retard or ameliorate progression of the disease. Then, if the time comes, we'll each drop the other off at the Senior Day Care Center. I don't know who will pick us up.

JOAN GANZ COONEY:Since I'm slowly sinking into dementia, as it is, I think I'd avoid such a test. My stepdaughter would see to it that I was properly cared for and there would be no point in warning her because that would worry her and the other children and my husband. And ruin our time together before the disease struck.

SHEILA NEVINS: No way. Can you imagine facing each day with these storm clouds hanging over you even before it rains? Silly thing to do. Good Morning Sunshine. Why doom and gloom the now.

JEAN CHATZKY: Not a chance. Every memory glitch - every senior moment (and I already have plenty) would have me in a complete panic. No thank you. But tell me if it seems to be taking hold so I can revise my will one last time and write coherent letters to those I love most.

MARY WELLS: I am too big a believer in the power of the mind over the body to go looking for troubles to worry about. And don't they usually turn out to be wrong about these great breakthroughs?

To see what Marlo Thomas, Candice Bergen, Liz Smith, and more of the wOw women had to say, click here!

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