Would you want to know years in advance that you have Alzheimer’s disease in your future?

It’s a huge question, and getting an answer could soon become a real possibility. Scientists are now developing ways to pre-diagnose Alzheimer’s, as much as 10 years in advance, and they’re setting out guidelines on just how it can be done. Following these guidelines, they say, doctors will be able not only to diagnose, but also estimate what stage the patient currently is in.

Scientists predict that the minute these guidelines go into effect, the number of diagnoses of Alzheimer’s could increase two to three times.

One of the tests in the guidelines is a PET scan of the brain, where amyloid plaques, if they are there, will show up. The other is a test of spinal-fluid proteins. These two tests, along with the standard cognitive tests, are a big step from the current method of diagnosing Alzheimer’s: autopsy after death.

The drug manufacturers, of course, are all for it. The instant there’s a pre- Alzheimer’s diagnosis, they stand to make money -- there are a number of drugs in production they’d like to try.

The Food and Drug Administration is being cautious about those drugs, however. It wants proof that the drugs work, which will be difficult to determine quickly, as Alzheimer’s moves slowly over years.

There’s still hope, of course, of stopping any pre- Alzheimer’s in its tracks. Research extracted from the long-term Framingham Heart Study (since 1948) indicates that exercise can go a long way to cutting the risk of Alzheimer’s. Another recent study revealed that a diet with adequate vitamin D can cut the risk of Alzheimer’s. (Researchers aren’t sure, however, if vitamin D supplements will work.)

For Alzheimer’s information, go online to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or call its help line at 1-800-272-3900.

Downsizing

Instead of downsizing, maybe we should call it “right sizing.” For many seniors, that right size is a smaller place. And that means getting rid of some belongings that just won’t fit.

No matter what you call it, moving can be difficult. There is help, however.

If downsizing involves selling your current property, consider using an expert. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist is an agent who has passed special course work and training. To locate one in your area, call a local broker.

If you don’t need to sell or buy a property and only need help with the actual moving process, consider using a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist. These are people who help with the planning and moving of those who are age 55 and older. They will be able to arrange for packing, moving, sorting, organizing, antiques evaluations and more.

Call 1-800-519-7316 for more information.

Do you really know what you have in terms of value? Have multiple appraisers come out and make offers on items you either don’t want to take with you or haven’t decided on. Perhaps learning that certain antiques could net you hundreds or thousands of dollars can help you decide.

There is a 55-page book by Barbara H. Morris called “Moving for Seniors,” a workbook that could be very helpful. It costs $15 but could be a real sanity saver.

If you fear you’re going to be “helped” in your move by some grabby, uncaring people, consider getting this book, too: “Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash -- A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Seniors Downsize, Organize, and Move,” by Vickie Dellaquila. The book is $10.