In the livestream video “Why Early Detection of Dementia is Important” Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City hosted experts Michelle Niedens, Licensed Social Worker, and the director of My Alliance for Cognitive Health, a community-based program focused on early detection, provider partnerships, and education and Eric Vidoni, PT, PhD, Director of the Outreach, Recruitment and Education Core for the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center and a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Watch the livestream video “Why Early Detection of Dementia is Important” below:
We are grateful that Michelle and Eric could take time out of their busy schedules to share their expertise regarding the importance of detecting Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages.
The Brain In Command
Boasting more than 100 million neurons, the brain is the command center for our bodies. Yet testing for dementia is not frequently performed. Today, as we are beginning to understand the brain’s functions better, and doctors recognize that we need to take better care of our “command center” and its future.
The Benefits of Early Detection
Although Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t yet have a cure, doctors and scientists have made big progress in treatments. Applying preventative measures, treatments and lifestyle changes can effectively slow the disease’s progress, when it is detected in its early stages.
It’s worth taking the time to get checked. Studies show that complete and thorough evaluations for dementia boast a 92% accuracy rate.
Here’s What to Look For
The following signs of behavior and cognitive change can help identify whether a person is struggling with the early stages of Alzheimer’s :
- Increased reliance on taking notes, calendars, confirming information
- More frequent jokes about memory
- Having a more difficult time with multi-tasking
- Changes in ability to integrate numbers
- Forgetfulness that concerns, surprises or is identified as feeling different
- A sense it’s getting harder to function
Family members who are noticing a decline in a loved one’s cognition and functionality might consider having a conversation with that person about getting checked for dementia. Diagnosing a cognitive disease in its beginning stages can help a loved one live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Thoughtful Health Care is in the business of providing in-home care for people with memory issues like dementia. If you have a family member struggling with dementia, feel free to contact us for more information about the services we provide families in the Kansas City metro area.
Click here for more Alzheimer and dementia care videos.
For more information about Thoughtful Care visit the Thoughtful Healthcare website.
