The Most Important Health Evaluation Seniors Aren't Getting

Yesterday, the Alzheimer's Association released it's 2109 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report and it reveals that, despite widespread awareness from patients and primary care physicians of the benefits of early detection and the belief that brief cognitive assessments are beneficial, just half of seniors (47%) are being assessed for cognitive decline, and only one in seven (16%) are receiving regular assessments.

The report also found that even though nearly all primary care physicians (94%) consider thse assessments an important part of care, fewer than half (47%) say it is part of their standard protocal. Though the likelihood of assessment increases dramatically if patients report symptoms of cognitive impairment, fewer than half of seniors (47%) have ever discussed their thinking or memory concerns with a physician. This disconnect needs to be repaired.

As a medical social worker that has worked with older adults in various settings over 20 years, I have seen this disconnect happen for many reasons. As a society some generations still view their physician as "all-knowing" and would never question or instigate a topic with them that was not directly started by the doc. And as this study reveals, many physicians will not screen for an issue if the patient doesn't mention concerns. We will have to tackle this from both directions. We need to encourage open communication with physicians about any health concern and we need to train physicians to make cognitive screening a part of their standard protocol. The good news is that with this wide of a gap, we have lots of room for improvement. Start on your next visit to your primary care or while accompanying your aging parent to the doctor. Ask for a cognitive assessment.

Although there are only medications for symptom management for Alzheimer's and other dementias and no treatment or cure, having an early diagnosis can lead to opportunities for participation in clinical trials (much needed if we are to find a cure!), care-planning for the future, completion of necessary legal documents and starting on medications to manage symptoms. The Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's disease discusses issues like this and reviews and shares the Facts and Figures Reports in Congress to help bring the disease to the forefront of the Congressional agenda. I would like to ask my Congresswoman, Rep. Lucy McBath to become a member of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. As the 6th leading cause of Death in America, we cannot afford to slow down in our efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and to improve early and accurate diagnosis. You can read the full Facts and Figures report at www.alz.org/facts.

MaryLea Boatwright Quinn

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter

Chamblee Resident