Genetic testing

I tried to have a discussion with my partner last night about genetic testing. It appears we are opposites on that matter.

I am going with mum next week to have her genetic testing, and have plenty of questions to ask. If her genetic tests say that her early onset AZ is heredetory, I want to ask about what happens if I choose to get tested. If I have "the gene" am I obliged to then offer up that information when getting health insurance, life insurance, going for a job, etc. will that information be passed on to government departments for them to decide upon if i'm able to drive etc.

I am paranoid that if I get the notice that I have the faulty gene, that it will affect my choices in life. That I will have things taken away from me earlier than if I just battle on as long as I can without being tested, refusing to acknowledge the problem, even if i know it exists. The way my mum was treated when diagnosed disgusts me, and if that's whats in store for me, i'd prefer to battle it out on my own for as long as possible before allowing myself to be tested and diagnosed. Am I crazy? Are the medications really as futile as I believe they are?  Within such a short time of being diagnosed she lost her job, lost her licence, lost friends, and the way people treated her changed. It breaks my heart to see what she had to go through after being a nurse and aged care worker all her life. I think i'd rather people thought i was a bit wierd, a bit strange, stupid, ditzy, forgetful, crazy, than the stigma that alzheimers has.

My partner on the other hand thinks I should definitely be tested, and that if i have "the gene" do everything in my power to hold it off for as long as possible (diet, exercise, brain exercises etc).

But then I don't want to be a fanatic. I know someone who had and escaped cancer, but she is now obsessive compulsive, only eating certified organic this and that, she has to take her own flaxseed oil and specific organic salad every where she goes. she can eat this fruit, but not that one, she can eat this nut, but not that one. Some of the things she eats are truly disgusting. It totally limits her because she worships the ground her nutritionist walks and follows every single instruction to the letter. I don't want to live a life like that either. Death follows life, and i don't want to walk through life fearing death. I'm not perfect, i'm not a fanatic, i just want to enjoy what i have, and die quickly when it is time.

I see my primary job in life as getting my kids through school and to become good adults (they are young 4 and 6). Once that's done, then perhaps I can allow myself to indulge in my own illnesses and issues, but until then i don't want to live a life of paranoia over everything i eat, incase it's bad for my brain. everything i drink. i just have to get the kids to school, pay the bills and get by. i don't want to be held back by a ridiculous, fastidious lifestyle that is trying to avoid the inevitable.

But, on the other hand (how many hands do i have?) If i could have brain scans now, that track the progress, starting in my 30's and regularly to monitor the progress of the disease, this could be useful for science and research (therefore useful for my children should they inherit "the gene"). So, if it were going to potentially help my children (or future grand children), i'd want to do what I could.

Sorry, just another vent.... trying to process all this crazy stuff in my head!