My husband was diagnosed early, probably because I am in the medical profession. As painful as the terrible, awful, no good diagnosis of Alzheimers is--- I now know that my husband is not being contrary, I approach things more slowly, he has a terrific support system because everyone knows the situation. He has help with his golf scores with out embarrassment etc., etc., etc.,. Furthermore, we are able to talk openly, make plans for the future and prepare together for our new situation. I know of many families who are so angry at someone with Alzheimers because there has not been a dx and no family member is becoming educated about the disease progression. The powers that be do not want early dx because it will make more work for the system. Remember the Alzheimers association is open to any one with a family member with dementia----if you want to become educated. The best support there is at this time.
Though there remains 'no known cure for Dementia', it would be helpful to be aware of the onset of the condition -I really dislike the word 'disease'. However, when it is not conveyed to ALL immediate family members, as was the case with our Mother, the adjustment can be devastating for the one chosen to care for the needs of the that person's diagnoses.
Not being aware of .... "Every Medicare beneficiary is legally eligible to obtain no-cost screening for cognitive impairment during the annual “wellness” visit—a mandate that’s unlikely to change as a result of the panel’s ruling. But most aging adults don’t actively seek out this benefit unless they (or their family members) notice problems with memory or mental processing.
A physician who suspects an elder has cognitive impairment typically administers a series of written and oral exams to both the senior and their family member(s). This enables the primary care doctor to get a good sense for the aging adult’s overall health. Depending on the doctor’s determination, they may decide to refer the elder to a specialist, such as a neurologist or neuro-psychiatrist, for further evaluation." ... Until reading this posting only adds to the frustration level. Though having a 'task force', that is overseen by (government-appointed panel) some Fed.Govt. agency, raises the hairs on the back of my neck for what should be obvious reason.
As to the final question of the posting .... "What do you think? Should all adults beyond a certain age receive regular cognitive exams, or should we wait until a cure or therapy for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is discovered?" .... There is no 'silver bullet' and it should be an individual choice of the person(s) questioning the need; not that of some bureaucratically body that see themselves above the general populous. To wait for 'a cure' would appear fruitless without studies, and to mandate "regular mental assessments on most elderly individuals" ? God only knows what that would lead to .... what age would be considered "elderly"?
Thank you for this interesting article, Ann-Marie.
I don't see the point of routinely screening every elder every year when there are no symptoms. But that raises the question of who is around to notice the symptoms. Elders who live alone and have no family visiting often should probably have screening if the doctor has the slightest hint there might be a problem.
When there are symptoms or suspicions of cognitive impairment, then I think the earlier the screening the better. Sometimes, as this article points out, the causes are treatable. It would be wonderful to find out that a nutritional deficiency is the culprit and can easily be corrected!
Even with noncurable dementia, I think it is good to know as early as possible. For one thing, this gives everyone more time to plan. It inspires couples to finally take that cruise they've been putting off, while they both can still enjoy it.
And even when there is no cure, it is not really true that there are no effective treatments, at least for Lewy Body Dementia. The various symptoms can often be treated very successfully. A cure? No. An extension of the life span? No. Improvement to quality of life? Absolutely! I saw this with my own husband, and I see it over and over in my local support group.
I don't think it is as important for someone in her 90s to get an exact diagnosis as it is for someone in her 70s.
After experiencing this with my mother, I really feel a regular screening after age 75 would be beneficial. Often times, family members live a long distance away. I was one of six children, and the only one nearby. My siblings would call Mom and she seemed fine. I would try to convince them that something was terribly wrong and against her wishes, I took her in for a screening. Most of the elderly's children are in a stage of denial (myself included). I really felt I could bring Mom into my home and take care of her. Once you get through the denial stage, it is difficult to understand that you are helpless with this disease. I truly believe, had the medical staff detected early dementia signs, my Mom would have listened and sought some help. She did not feel I was accurate in my perception of her mental state. Hence, the siblings thought she was Ok. She died from Failure to Thrive and Alzheimer's in February.
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Why Experts Don't Want All Seniors to Get Screened for Dementia
Not being aware of .... "Every Medicare beneficiary is legally eligible to obtain no-cost screening for cognitive impairment during the annual “wellness” visit—a mandate that’s unlikely to change as a result of the panel’s ruling. But most aging adults don’t actively seek out this benefit unless they (or their family members) notice problems with memory or mental processing.
A physician who suspects an elder has cognitive impairment typically administers a series of written and oral exams to both the senior and their family member(s). This enables the primary care doctor to get a good sense for the aging adult’s overall health. Depending on the doctor’s determination, they may decide to refer the elder to a specialist, such as a neurologist or neuro-psychiatrist, for further evaluation." ... Until reading this posting only adds to the frustration level. Though having a 'task force', that is overseen by (government-appointed panel) some Fed.Govt. agency, raises the hairs on the back of my neck for what should be
obvious reason.
As to the final question of the posting .... "What do you think? Should all adults beyond a certain age receive regular cognitive exams, or should we wait until a cure or therapy for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is discovered?" ....
There is no 'silver bullet' and it should be an individual choice of the person(s) questioning the need; not that of some bureaucratically body that see themselves above the general populous. To wait for 'a cure' would appear fruitless without studies, and to mandate "regular mental assessments on most elderly individuals" ? God only knows what that would lead to .... what
age would be considered "elderly"?
I don't see the point of routinely screening every elder every year when there are no symptoms. But that raises the question of who is around to notice the symptoms. Elders who live alone and have no family visiting often should probably have screening if the doctor has the slightest hint there might be a problem.
When there are symptoms or suspicions of cognitive impairment, then I think the earlier the screening the better. Sometimes, as this article points out, the causes are treatable. It would be wonderful to find out that a nutritional deficiency is the culprit and can easily be corrected!
Even with noncurable dementia, I think it is good to know as early as possible. For one thing, this gives everyone more time to plan. It inspires couples to finally take that cruise they've been putting off, while they both can still enjoy it.
And even when there is no cure, it is not really true that there are no effective treatments, at least for Lewy Body Dementia. The various symptoms can often be treated very successfully. A cure? No. An extension of the life span? No. Improvement to quality of life? Absolutely! I saw this with my own husband, and I see it over and over in my local support group.
I don't think it is as important for someone in her 90s to get an exact diagnosis as it is for someone in her 70s.
I truly believe, had the medical staff detected early dementia signs, my Mom would have listened and sought some help. She did not feel I was accurate in my perception of her mental state. Hence, the siblings thought she was Ok. She died from Failure to Thrive and Alzheimer's in February.