# MedicAlert Bracelets: No Pre-Engraved Alzheimer's **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 2, 2008, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296 "2008-12-02T04:03:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Celyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@Celyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celyn)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/21 "2008-12-03T01:05:24Z")
How funny ( well, in a not-humorous way) to see this thread. Only suddenly have I taken to thinking that there might be such a thing (or any sort of ID tag) that I could look at getting for my mother. Of course, getting her to wear it might be tricky, but it’s an interesting co-incidence to see the exact same matter raised here. Glad you have found one, **Quasimodem** ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/22 "2008-12-03T01:05:45Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > Glad not to have offended. I’ve always considered you a class act. > > If I remember correctly. > > 😉 You’re too kind, sir (?). Mostly a “class ass”, I think, but I \*\*try \*\*to treat others as I would like to be treated. Here’s an update on the bracelet issue: 1. Called MedicAlert and joined their program. ($39.95 for the first year) Gave them all pertinent info: meds, doctor, next of kin notification, drug allergies etc. In return they will keep all info on file in case it is needed if someone finds me gone **BOOGA-BOOGA** :eek: and calls the number on said bracelet. 1. Bought the bracelet: ($19.95) 2. Paid for overnight shipping: ($21.00) Total cost: $80.90 As compared to $7.00 if I had been able to find one at a drugstore. When I questioned the lady about why the bracelets are not as available as, say, a diabetic’s or hemophiliac’s, she told me it was because they needed the information I had just given her about my disease. “And y’all **don’t** need it for someone who has diabetes? Because the bracelets I saw in the drugstore _definitely_ have the MedicAlert brand on them.” “I can’t answer that, sir, but would you like to speak to one of my supervisors?” “No, that’s all right, let’s just get this rollin’.” And there ends the tale of Quasi’s bracelet. “And he lived happily ever after till the end of his days.” Quasi ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/23 "2008-12-03T01:22:29Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > You’re too kind, sir (?). Yup, that’s what I call him. Or something thereabouts 🙂 Mostly Daddy - but that’s another thread 😉 Glad you are taking the proper steps to get yourself braceleted. It’s a tough thing to have to deal with, and as someone who has seen it in their family, I wish you only the best. ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/24 "2008-12-03T01:47:30Z")
> [@NinjaChick](#): > > And if they’re not, I think it would be fairly obvious to any medical personnel what the deal is. If the cops find an old man dressed in a bathrobe wandering out into traffic and he’s unable to clearly communicate, it’s not a stretch to guess that he has some age-related memory problem. Right, but they wouldn’t have the other relevant information—who to call, medications, etc. The purpose of the bracelet isn’t just a label with the diagnosis. ETA: I see I may have missed the point of the pre-engraved bracelet. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/25 "2008-12-03T02:02:10Z")
I love you little shits a lot, I think that y’all know that, right?🙂 But you need to know that Alzheimer (no “s”) Disease is a damn sight more complicated than “Senile ol Gramps walkin’ around showing his whim-wammer to everybody”. It’s a form of _dementia_ and there are _many_ causes of dementia. If you’re interested, please go to [http://www.alz.org/index.asp](http://www.alz.org/index.asp) and educate yourselves. Be sure to take the Interactive Brain Tour under the segment marked **Alzheimer’s Disease**. Thanks Bill ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/26 "2008-12-03T02:11:27Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > I love you little shits a lot, I think that y’all know that, right?🙂 > > But you need to know that Alzheimer (no “s”) Disease is a damn sight more complicated than “Senile ol Gramps walkin’ around showing his whim-wammer to everybody”. > > It’s a form of _dementia_ and there are _many_ causes of dementia. > > If you’re interested, please go to [http://www.alz.org/index.asp](http://www.alz.org/index.asp) and educate yourselves. > > Be sure to take the Interactive Brain Tour under the segment marked **Alzheimer’s Disease**. > > Thanks > > Bill No one who has posted since _you_ last posted has disputed that. 😕 Honestly, I think even those posters who did not get it before do get it now, and I hate to think of you getting upset over this repeatedly. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/27 "2008-12-03T02:24:48Z")
Jesus Christ.:smack: All I’m saying is that it’s more complicated than some old man walking around in his bathrobe, **Lorene**. _Which you, yourself have pointed out!_ I’m not getting defensive, but godammit, “Oh, he’s just senile”, doesn’t cut it! People are being diagnosed with Alzheimer Related Dementia as early as 38. It’s just not as cut and dried as people try to make it out to be. Go to [alz.org](http://alz.org) and read some of the threads the Caregivers are writing, if you care. ---
**Author:** ![Sparklo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Sparklo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparklo)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/28 "2008-12-03T05:48:36Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > When I questioned the lady about why the bracelets are not as available as, say, a diabetic’s or hemophiliac’s, she told me it was because they needed the information I had just given her about my disease. > > “And y’all **don’t** need it for someone who has diabetes? Because the bracelets I saw in the drugstore _definitely_ have the MedicAlert brand on them.” I’m wondering if the difference in pre-engraved bracelet availability is due to the treatment needed for the different conditions. For example, treating a diabetic person whose blood sugar is wrong is a matter of getting them the right medicine; in other words knowing the condition is sufficient to treat it. Whereas for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease, is there much that can be done other than contacting the person’s caregiver? If not, then a pre-engraved bracelet without contact information isn’t particularly helpful. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/29 "2008-12-03T06:05:46Z")
Why isn’t it? AD manifets itself in many ways,\*\* Sparklo\*\*. As in being thrown into a drunk tank, when one isn’t actively trying to commit a crime. r Scenario: I pick up a paperback at a kisok at the airport aand walk out without paying for it, security is called. I have just “shoplifted” an item, and they want me to pay for it. Thinking I **did** pay for it, I become belligerent and loud. No bracelet, get arrested. Bracelet , I _might_ get understanding, and be treated otherwise. Quasi ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/30 "2008-12-03T09:53:11Z")
I’m sorry. I really am. I just thought, _because you had already read and responded to the posts including the one that I quoted_, that you were coming back and getting upset anew at something you had already responded to and I wanted to spare you that. I’ll just be clicking ‘unsubscribe’ now. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/31 "2008-12-03T10:16:05Z")
You read far more into it than was there, **Lorene**. I was trying (as best I could) to point out that I am not **completely** dumb, and do avail myself of all the information there is about AD. What was bothering me was the superficiality (is that a word?) given to this very complicated disease. It lies far deeper than an old man walking around in just his robe, as was given as an example. **Lorene** , my way of looking at what is happening to me is “curiosity”, and yes, also with a bit of humor whenever possible. Please remember that you cannot see my face in my words and that it is very easy to misunderstand things on the internet. Aso, please try to understand that I am just trying to “hang in there”, and sometimes , **many** times, I get it wrong too. I don’t **want** you to “unsubscribe”! I need all the help I can get and all the friends I can get as well. I don’t want to face this all alone, so please do not take offense, okay, because I assure you, none is meant. Thank you very much for _caring_ Bill ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/32 "2008-12-03T11:00:51Z")
> [@Darryl\_Lict](#): > > Someone here once mentioned getting their MedicAlert bracelet tattooed on. That way, you’ll never lose it. It might be a bit of a grim reminder of your condition, but it seemed like a good idea. As a healthcare professional, married to a pre-hospital healthcare professional, tattoos are just part of the skin. It just wouldn’t be noticed like a MedicAlert bracelet. I’ve seen one individual with “Do Not Rescusitate” tattooed on his chest. It was pointed out by a by-stander during CPR. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/33 "2008-12-03T17:11:30Z")
> [@picunurse](#): > > I’ve seen one individual with “Do Not Rescusitate” tattooed on his chest. It was pointed out by a by-stander during CPR. This is somewhat disconcerting. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/34 "2008-12-03T17:20:08Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > This is somewhat disconcerting. The tattoo or it not being noticed by the principal actor in that situation? I can understand not noticing it…if you’re in full emergency CPR mode, you may notice there’s _something_ on the guy’s chest, but you just simply don’t have time in that situation to try to decipher what is, essentially as far as you know, irrelevancies. “Oh, he has a tattoo of words. Okay. Now, check airway…” You aren’t really geared up to read a tattoo in that situation…you’re too busy trying to save the guy’s life. That being said, how IS that situation supposed to be handled? If a guy collapses on the sidewalk, is there something he’s supposed to be wearing to keep First Aid certified bystanders from performing CPR on him? ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/35 "2008-12-03T17:50:31Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > The tattoo or it not being noticed by the principal actor in that situation? I can understand not noticing it… The latter, and while I understand it, too, that doesn’t mean I don’t feel something for the poor person who went to the trouble to do something they doubtless thought would ensure their wishes were carried out only to wind up waking up in the back of an ambulance or in an ICU somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/36 "2008-12-03T19:37:52Z")
In my ER, we would resuscitate regardless. How are we to know the person didn’t change his mind after the tattoo? Would we be covered if we got him back and was pissed? I don’t know… **KTK** , I hope it’s okay that I added you as a friend? Thanks Q ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/37 "2008-12-03T19:41:03Z")
Absolutely, **Quasi**. In fact, I’m honored. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/38 "2008-12-03T20:13:06Z")
Thanks **KneadToKnow**!🙂 Well, the bracelet just got here. I just put it on, and I have mixed emoticons about it. It’s like, “Well, hell. You’re finally accepting this, Dumb-Ass.” :rolleyes: Maybe it will get me a vacant seat on the plane tomorrow if my seat-mate sees it and asks why I’m wearing it. Gallows humor. Dontcha just love it?😉 Q ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/39 "2008-12-03T20:20:36Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > I have mixed emoticons about it. L E G A L N O T I C E To: **Quasimodem** From: **KneadToKnow** Date: Today Re: The above-cited text Please be informed herewith that I will be stealing this. [seal] ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/40 "2008-12-03T20:23:20Z")
😃 It’s given to you freely, my friend! 😃 Q [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296.md?page=3)