Early screening for Alzheimer’s disease is often misunderstood, rejected, or even met with hostility. Many people avoid it for various reasons, but behind those excuses are deeper fears and misconceptions. Instead of pressuring someone with guilt or moral arguments, it’s more effective to address their concerns one by one, helping them understand the true purpose of screening: taking control of their future instead of being led by fate.

"What’s the point? It’s not like they can cure it."

This mindset stems from the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s. People subconsciously equate a diagnosis with a death sentence. But the truth is, about 30% of cognitive problems are caused by reversible conditions, such as depression, thyroid issues, or vitamin B12 deficiency. Early detection can mean simple treatments that restore normal life. Instead of talking about abstract concepts like “slowing disease progression,” use real-life examples. For instance: “Jane found out her issue was just a B12 deficiency, and two weeks of supplements fixed it.”

• "I’d rather stay clueless than become a burden to my kids.
• This reaction often comes from a fear of being a burden and ruining their children’s lives. But the reality is, avoiding screening only worsens the disease faster. This could lead to children being forced to quit their jobs, sell their homes, or hire expensive caregivers, creating an even greater financial and emotional burden. A smarter approach is to explain that early screening and planning can actually save on long-term care costs and even reduce the financial pressure through insurance or other resources.

"Doctors just want to scam me for money."

This distrust is especially common in areas with limited healthcare resources, where people have been burned by news stories or scams involving fake health products. The key here is to recommend credible, free, or low-cost screening programs, such as community health centers offering tools like the AD8 questionnaire. You can also highlight authoritative examples, such as “Japan has passed laws requiring annual screenings for seniors over 75,” or mention that even international leaders like President Biden have voluntarily undergone tests.

"If they find something, the insurance company will blacklist me."

Worries about insurance are valid. In some places, a diagnosis can lead to higher premiums or even denial of coverage. But this is not an unsolvable problem. You can address this by encouraging them to take legal steps early, such as purchasing critical illness insurance, setting up a trust, or arranging for guardianship while they are still capable. The key is helping them understand that screening early gives them the time and ability to protect their rights and finances legally.

"Forgetting everything is better than staying aware and suffering."

Some people who have witnessed loved ones suffer from the disease believe that “ignorance is bliss” and would rather not face it. However, late-stage patients are not truly “unaware”—they can still feel pain or even suffer abuse but are unable to express or call for help. Instead of waiting for that moment, it’s better to plan ahead while they are still clear-minded. As one powerful reminder puts it: “Being clueless is determined by others. Taking action while you’re aware is real freedom.”

"My kids just want me to do this so they can fight over my inheritance."

Family conflicts often make screening even more complicated. To address this suspicion, involve a third party, such as a doctor or lawyer, to recommend screening instead of the children directly pushing for it. You can also offer to sign agreements ensuring “screening results remain confidential” or “screening will not affect property rights,” which can help ease concerns about inheritance. The main goal is to make the person feel that screening is in their best interest, not something being forced on them by others.