Researchers highlight limited use of valuable screening tools for Alzheimer’s and other dementias

Despite the potential benefits of early detection and increasing treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementies, there is limited use of valuable screening and test instruments, say researchers from the University of Michigan.

Researchers from the UM School of Public Health and Michigan Medicine studied responses from nearly 1,300 participants in the national poll on healthy aging – a large, national representative research among older adults – to understand experiences and views on cognitive screening and blood biomarker in adults At the age of adults 65-80.

In accordance with earlier research, their studies showed that only about 1 in 5 older Americans reported cognitive screening last year, with such rates lower in certain racial and ethnic minority groups (ie Spanish, Asian American). More than 6.5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, according to the Alzheimer Association a number that would be expected to double in 2060.

Published in Alzheimer & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease monitoring, the study showed that a majority of older Americans are aware of the benefits of early detection – earlier treatment, financial planning and more.

Even with recognition of potential benefits and medicine coverage of cognitive tests for beneficiaries, the under use of cognitive screening remains, the researchers say. Millions of cases of dementia are not diagnosed and untreated, fed by several barriers for diagnosis at the levels of the patient, the provider and the health care system, which describes the study.

“Living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia can influence entire families and social systems. When they are tackled early, people can work together with their loved ones and care providers to make important medical, financial and legal decisions for the future, ”said Chelsea Cox, a doctoral student of the Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity at UM ‘s School or Public Health.

The earlier a conversation about cognitive health takes place, the more possibilities for prevention, symptom control and treatment open, Scott Roberts, UM professor said in health behavior and health achievement and an old Alzheimer’s disease and dementia researcher.

Treatments are now available to delay the course of Alzheimer’s disease, if early enough started, and there are promising clinical examinations and strategies for risk reduction available. So for many older adults, talking to your doctor about your cognitive health can be just as important as talking to your doctor about your physical health. “

Scott Roberts, UM Professor in health behavior and health answerability and an old Alzheimer’s disease and dementia researcher

Roberts is a member of the Executive Committee of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center and associated director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging, which is located at the UM Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. The Poll Team previously published a report on dementia screening and testing consciousness and attitudes in adults from 50 to 80; The new study focuses on that from 65 to 80 years.