The American Academy of Neurology recommends that adults aged 65 and older receive annual cognitive health assessments. However, according to Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, only 16% of seniors say they receive regular screenings for memory or thinking issues during routine checkups, unlike checks for blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
These facts reveal a major disconnect: seniors expect their health care provider to recommend cognitive testing, but health care providers are waiting for patients or family members to report symptoms.
Every person who qualifies for Medicare benefits should request a yearly cognitive assessment as part of their Annual Wellness Visit. While an assessment for cognitive impairment is a mandated part of these visits, they are often not performed. Patients should ask for one if it isn’t offered.
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Preparing for an assessment
Put together a list of any changes in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors. Include a list of past and current medical problems, current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications including vitamins or supplements. Most importantly, be sure to have your list of questions and be prepared to answer the provider’s questions honestly and to the best of your ability.
Possible questions to ask your health care provider:
- Are the things I am noticing normal signs of aging or is this something more serious?
- What activities can I do to sharpen my memory?
- Can changes to my diet, exercise, or lifestyle help?
- What other medical conditions or medications could be causing my memory issues?
- What kind of testing can I expect?
Be prepared for your provider to ask:
- What kind of symptoms have you noticed?
- When did they begin?
- How often do they happen?
- Are they getting worse?
What are the possible tests used during a cognitive assessment?
“Today, there is no single test that can determine if a person is living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia,” said Pam Myers, senior director, programs of the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio and Central Ohio Chapters. “Your provider will look at your medical history and do cognitive screening. Depending on the outcome, the provider may order brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET) and cerebrospinal fluid or blood tests to make a more definitive diagnosis.”
More information about cognitive tests can be found at www.alz.org/medicaltests
What to Expect During a Cognitive Assessment
- The person experiencing symptoms, and a friend or family member accompanying them to the appointment, will be asked to describe any changes in memory or thinking.
- The provider will ask about other health problems, current medications and any family history of memory issues.
- The person may be asked to perform a mental status test to evaluate their memory, ability to solve simple problems and other thinking skills. For example, the person may be asked to remember a short list of words or perform tasks like drawing a clock or doing basic math problems.
- The provider may recommend additional tests or refer the person to a specialist.
- Most screenings during an annual check-up should take less than 10 minutes and are noninvasive.
For those who are experiencing problems with memory or thinking, getting checked by a health care provider can help determine if it’s Alzheimer’s or some other — perhaps even treatable — condition. If Alzheimer’s is the cause, an early diagnosis allows the person living with the disease and their family to plan for the future, join local support programs from the Association, access treatments that may lessen symptoms, or sign up for a clinical trial.
“While discussing cognitive concerns with your health care provider can be challenging, it’s really important,” said Myers. “Having these conversations can help facilitate early detection and diagnosis, offering individuals and families access to care and support services, making it easier for them and their family to manage the changes that come with the disease.”
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Benefits of early detection
- Ensuring patients receive the most benefit from treatment options at the earliest point possible
- More time to plan for the future
- Lessened anxieties about the unknown
- Increased chances of participating in clinical studies, helping advance research
- An opportunity to participate in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters
Be proactive
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is one of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. If you notice any signs in yourself or someone you know, please see a healthcare provider promptly. You can learn about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related topics at education programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter. The monthly program schedule is available on their website at alz.org/nwohio.
There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. More than 4,900 Ohioans died from Alzheimer’s in 2021. A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year valued at over $11.4 billion.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/nwohio or call the Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419.537.1999 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
