April 11, 2017
Today it is widely recognized that there are many reasons to screen for cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease beginning at age 65.
Considerations include:
- Early dementia-especially Alzheimer’s disease is easily missed. Early dementia, including mild cognitive impairment is a subtle problem. Family members often avoid the problem and compensate the individual.
- Physicians tend to miss the initial signs and symptoms, so about 90 % of Alzheimer’s cases are missed early , and many individuals who have Alzheimer’s are never recognized as having the disease.
- Diagnoses are still missed at moderate and severe levels, and estimates are that 25 to 50 % of cases remain undiagnosed.
- Screening may lead to better care.
- Early detection can inform caregiver education and help caregivers better understand the symptoms and behaviors of individuals in their care.
- Early preparation can can reduce family stress and misunderstanding, caregiver burden, blame and denial.
- Early awareness of the problem of dementia may help those most involved to promote advocacy for research for a treatment and a cure.
ActivMed gives free memory screenings at two of our research sites, call for an appointment and more information.
Methuen, Ma. 978-655-7155, ask for Ashley or Deepa
Portsmouth, NH 603-319-8863, ask for Kendra or Abi
information provided by AFA Care Quarterly
Posted in Blog