It’s Time to Make Dementia Screenings a Part of Your Preventative Wellness Routine. Here’s How -
Friday October 30, 2015 - Jennifer Prell
Misplacing your keys or
temporarily forgetting the name of an acquaintance can be normal signs of
aging. But if those moments of forgetfulness begin to multiply and inhibit your
regular activities, it could be an indication of something more serious:
Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Today, dementia affects nearly one in
three older adults. Since most forms of dementia worsen over time, early intervention
is the best hope of slowing the progression of the disease, and seeking regular
dementia screenings is one of the best ways to make early intervention
possible.
“Early signs of dementia are
often overlooked and characterized as simple forgetfulness,” explains Dr.
Sherrie All, a licensed clinical psychologist at Chicago Center for Cognitive
Wellness. “Regular dementia screenings are an effective way to
distinguish normal age-related changes in memory from more serious conditions,
and ultimately improve rates of early detection.”
Begin the
conversation
According to Dr. All, most
dementia screenings begin with a visit to a primary care physician. Primary
care doctors are able to perform brief screening tests, which are part of the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG). These
tests take less than two minutes to
complete, and assess both cognition and function.
In these tests, the patient may
be asked to perform a number of tasks, including drawing a clock face set to a
specific time, making change for a dollar or spelling a common word backward.
These routine screenings help physicians identify potential signs of dementia
and rule out other health concerns that can cause cognitive symptoms, such as
sleep apnea, a B12 deficiency or a thyroid disorder.
Take
further action
If concerns arise, Dr. All
explains that most primary care physicians will refer their patients to a
neurologist to evaluate further physical concerns, or directly to a
neuropsychologist for more detailed cognitive testing.
The neurologist will typically
begin by conducting a physical exam of neurological function and asking
orientation questions, such as "Who is the president of the United
States?" An answer of "Eisenhower," or an uncertain response
would both be likely indicators of dementia. A neurologist can also order
imaging to determine if there are abnormalities in the brain that might
indicate the presence of dementia or other cognitive problems.
The neuropsychologist will assess
the full spectrum of brain functions, including memory, executive function and
language, through a variety of standardized memory and skill tests objective
tests to assess each area of cognition. Test scores are then compared to those
of healthy adults in the same age group.
Seek
support
When referred to a
neuropsychologist, most patients can expect further cognitive testing, and
ultimately, a diagnosis that explains the root cause of their memory issues. A
neuropsychologist can also work with family members, suggest support services
like CMSS’ monthly caregiver support group and
recommend preventative and interventional strategies after a diagnosis of
Alzheimer’s or dementia has been reached.
Unfortunately, there is no proven
cure for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, but early detection and
intervention can make these conditions more manageable. Dr. All emphasizes that
older adults must begin thinking about preventative memory care before they exhibit signs of inhibited
cognition. Instead of waiting for a demonstrated reason for concern, adults
over 50 should simply commit to making a dementia screening part of their
regular annual checkup.
“Even if you aren’t experiencing
any signs of memory loss today, regular dementia screenings are an opportunity
to gain a better understanding of your healthy brain function,” Dr. All
explains. “Then, if signs of dementia do present themselves in the future,
we’ll be able to detect them more accurately and intervene more quickly.”
About the Author
Bill Lowe is the President of Chicagoland Methodist Senior
Services, the largest network of senior services on Chicago's north side.
If you need a referral for senior housing, help choosing services or just need a sounding board you can always contact Elderwerks for free assistance.