Children At Risk For Late Onset Diseases - 3939 Words

Many parents claim that they should have the right to have their children tested for any late-onset diseases if that child is at risk. The professional consensus of most medical professionals (Kopelman), do not agree and claim that testing children for late-onset diseases not only affects the child in a negative manner, but also negatively influences the parents’ relationship with that specific child (Davis). I argue that children at risk for late-onset disorders, such as Huntington’s or Alzheimer’s disease, should not be tested for such genetic markers at the request of their parents. The decision to test a child for a late-onset disease restricts the child’s right to an open future (Davis). These diseases will affect that child as an adult and, as an adult, the child should have the right to choose for themselves whether they want to be tested or not. Not only does testing children for late-onset diseases restrict the child’s future, but it also leaves a significant impact on the child to parent relationship which is vital for development throughout the early stages of life (Davis). Oftentimes, the parents find themselves treating a â€Å"diseased† or â€Å"affected† child with more care and precaution in comparison to their other children (Kopelman), as if the â€Å"diseased† child is fragile. However, parents who claim late-onset disease testing for their children should be an option also have strong objections to this professional consensus. Objections include the idea that theShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Group B Streptoccus In Neonates1051 Words   |  5 Pagesinvasive infection (VanMeter, 2016, pg.389). Some risk factors may include premature labor, water breaking 18 hours before delivery and a high fever during labor. It is recommended to receive antibiotics prophylactically if there is evidence of a previous pregnancy with a GBS infection or a positive test for the bacteria within 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. In newborns, group b strep bacterium is classified by age of onset. Infants who develop early-onset group b streptococcus start to show symptoms withinRead MoreChildhood Testing For Late Onset Genetic Diseases1634 Words   |  7 Pagesher book, Genetic Dilemmas, is her argument against childhood testing for late-onset genetic diseases. She also discussed how parental knowledge of the results violates the child’s right to an open future and can strain the relationship between parent and child. Yet, Dena Davis has been criticized for these claims in many publications, including a popular article by Mary Ann Sevick. In this paper, I will argue that children should not be f orced to know their fate and show that the critics are notRead MoreWhat Is Alzheimer s Disease? Essay1698 Words   |  7 Pages What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a type of dementia that is irreversible and it causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. The symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. (â€Å"Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia,† n.d.). Dementia is a term for a decrease in the intellectual ability which it can be severe enough to interfere with an individual’s day to day life. The German neurologist Alois Alzheimer was theRead MoreCracking Your Genetic Code: A Review of Genetic Testing1538 Words   |  7 PagesTesting In Gattaca, the plot focuses on the ethics, the risks, and the emotional impact of genetic testing in the nearby future. The film was released in the 90s; yet in the present, the film does not give the impression of science fiction. Today, genetic testing is prevalent in many aspects of the scientific community. This paper will describe genetic testing, its purpose, diagnostic techniques that use genetic testing, relating Huntington’s disease to genetic testing, and the pros and cons of geneticRead MoreIs Schizophrenia A Serious Mental Illness?934 Words   |  4 Pagesto think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. It is a complex, long-term medical illness Affects about 1% of Americans. The average age of onset tends to be in the late teens to the early 20s for men, and the late 20s to early 30s for women. Patho We do not completely understand the patho of the disease however, Neuroimaging studies show differences between the brains of those with schizophrenia and those without this disorder. For example, the ventricles are somewhatRead MoreDealing With Dementia Essay979 Words   |  4 Pagesmemory and performance issues were due to a disease. (Life with ALZ)† This disease causes the loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Dementia, is one form of this disease that gradually gets worse over time. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. (WebMD, 1995) â€Å"Changes that take place in the brains of people. These brain changes may cause the memory loss and decline in other mental abilities that occur with Alzheimers disease. Alzheimer’s generally affects the brain makingRead MoreThe Disadvantages of Genetic Testing on Children Discussed in Dena Davis Book Genetic Dilemmas2357 Words   |  10 PagesIn chapter four of her book Genetic Dilemmas, Dena Dav is asserts that it is unethical for parents to subject their children to genetic testing for the markers of adult-onset genetic diseases because it places an unfair constraint on a child’s right to an open future. It both removes the child’s ability to choose whether to be tested as an adult and has the potential to negatively alter the overall trajectory of their lives. While the current consensus amongst medical professionals is that suchRead MoreDementia And It s Types Essay1429 Words   |  6 Pagesby Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with lewy bodies, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia mainly affects older people. Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. Prevalence 44.4 million people were diagnosed with dementia worldwide in 2013. It is forecasted that the number of people with dementia will increase to an estimated 75.6 million in 2030, and 135.5 million in 2050. Much of the increase will be in developing countries. Alzheimer s disease is largely diagnosedRead MoreDifferent Depressive Disorders1397 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: Major depressive disorder is characterized by a myriad of symptoms that interferes with a persons daily activities including ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is a debilitating disease and prevents a person from being functional socially and professionally. Major depressive disorder is known to have significant potential morbidity and mortality, and contributes to suicide, incidences and adverse outcomes of medical illness, disruptionRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease ( Ad )1361 Words   |  6 PagesAlzheimer’s disease (AD), according to Shan (2013), â€Å"is the most common form of dementia. It is a degenerative, incurable, and terminal disease.† (p. 32). AD is a disease in which the brain essentially deteriorates, is vastly progressive, and complex. Because there is no cure for this disease, scientists and researchers should continue seeking effective prevention measures. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for hundreds of thousands of geriatric deaths each year, and affects not only the patient, but