Families and Caregivers: Answering the Question, "Is It Alzheimer's?"
Diagnosing even mild-to-moderate
dementia cases can be difficult. In fact, more than half of such cases are not recognized by physicians, according to a review of the literature at the
Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Family members and caregivers, in addition to many physicians, often overlook a decline in cognitive function as well.
As Baby Boomers age, the number of Alzheimer's cases is expected to surge from the already five million cases. Increased awareness and diagnosis will provide optimal care for the aging population. To improve prompt diagnosis, Diana Kerwin, MD, assistant professor of medicine and geriatrics, offers the following recommendations published in an issue of The Journal of Family Practice:
- Avoid age bias when determining the need for cognitive screening
- Screen the vulnerable elderly, or individuals 65 years of age and older who are at high risk of
death or functional decline, at the initial visit and annually after
- Test all patients undergoing cognitive screening for depression as well
For more information, visit our Resources page to download our "Is It Alzheimer's?" eBook.