Page 6 - Miles for Memories Dementia Booklet 2022

A Case for Screening and Diagnosis
If you recognize moments when your loved one’s memory seems challenged,
an evaluation is the best first option. The sooner you can identify the cause of their symptoms, the sooner they may be able to start feeling better. Or, if it is dementia, possibly identify ways to slow down the progression.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease nor other forms of dementia. Sometimes, however, the symptoms we see that
can cause concern may be an indication of other issues that when treated can
lead to a positive change in a loved one. Scheduling an appointment with a health care provider can offer a distinction that is life changing.
If your loved one is exhibiting the following symptoms related to dementia, you may find that it is actually something else that can be treated. Such as symptoms or conditions resulting from: drugs, depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, medications, infection, diminished hearing or vision, tumors, injuries to the head, alcoholism, sleep apnea, and more. Your physician can help to identify if cognitive concerns are the
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result of a treatable condition.
Take charge of your brain health and
contribute to important scientific research by participating in the Alzheimer’s Prevention Trials (APT) Webstudy. It
is an observational study that measures memory function change over time. Participating is open to anyone over
age 50 with internet access. Every three months, you’ll evaluate your memory through no-cost, confidential memory tests taken online in about 20 minutes. Receive your memory scores and an explanation of the meaning of each on a personalized dashboard that you can review yourself or share with your own doctor. When appropriate, the study team will match eligible participants to have further medical tests and possibly be matched with optional in-person
Alzheimer’s research studies in their local area.
Several brief and reliable tests are available to screen for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Screening tests can be done in the office, the waiting room, or even at home before your appointment. They are tools appropriate for identifying potential cognitive problems. They are NOT a substitute for a full diagnostic evaluation but may be enough to encourage a loved one to receive further evaluation. They all have some differences and unique characteristics. Sometimes there is fear in taking the next steps. Learning more about various screening options may help to make it a little less scary.
The AD8 Informant Interview is an 8-item questionnaire. It is considered an
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