Few seniors get their thinking and memory abilities regularly tested during check-ups, according to a new report from the Alzheimer's Association that raises questions about how best to find out if a problem is brewing.
According to the World Health Organization, 47.5 million people have dementia worldwide. AFP PHOTO / SEBASTIEN BOZONWASHINGTON -- Few seniors get their thinking and memory abilities regularly tested during check-ups, according to afrom the Alzheimer's Association that raises questions about how best to find out if a problem is brewing.
About half of seniors say they've ever discussed thinking or memory with a health care provider, and less than a third say they've ever been assessed for possible cognitive problems, according to an Alzheimer's Association survey being released Tuesday. Still, it's important to be alert to signs of mental decline. Some slowing of memory is a normal part of aging, like temporarily misplacing your keys. But more significant declines in memory, thinking skills or behaviour can require medical care.But if someone is developing dementia, knowing early allows people time to plan for their future care -- and to participate in research studies of possible new treatments, Pike said.
In fact, you might be getting assessed and not realize it, she said. Maybe a conversation with the doctor shows that you're pretty active and doing well. Or maybe the doctor spots that you're taking medications that can impede cognition -- and changes your prescription, waiting to see if that solved any problem before looking for other potential causes.
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