Spot Dementia BEFORE it Takes Hold
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 31, 2024
We’ve all had those memory glitch moments where we walk into a room and forget why we’re there. Or you struggle to remember the actor’s name in a movie you just watched.
But when does normal brain aging cross the line into something more serious like cognitive decline?
It’s a question that’s kept researchers busy for years. They’ve explored everything from blood tests to brain scans, trying to find a way to spot dementia BEFORE it takes hold.
Now, a study published in the journal Age and Ageing may have cracked the code.
Researchers developed a simple 46-item questionnaire that could change how we detect cognitive decline.
The questions focus on six crucial aspects of brain function:
- Memory
- Language
- Orientation
- Attention and concentration
- Executive function
- Ability to copy and draw geometric figures (like a clock)
The researchers report their screening tool is “acceptably accurate” in identifying EARLY signs of cognitive decline. That means it could help doctors catch dementia in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
Of course, like any new medical breakthrough, this test needs more research to fully validate its effectiveness. But the initial results are promising.
In fact, this questionnaire could be a game-changer in how we approach dementia detection. Here’s why…
- It’s non-invasive: No needles, no scans, just simple questions.
- It’s comprehensive: By examining six different areas of brain function, it gives a well-rounded picture of cognitive health.
- It’s accessible: A questionnaire is much easier to administer than complex medical tests, making it potentially available to more people.
If you’re concerned about your cognitive function or that of a loved one, don’t wait. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for cognitive screening.
Early detection is critical for staying ahead of dementia.
The sooner cognitive decline is identified, the sooner interventions can begin. This could mean everything from lifestyle changes to the proper nutrition to slow the progression of the disease.
Remember, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying mentally active are all crucial in maintaining brain health as we age.
P.S. “Sneaker Trick” FIGHTS cognitive decline.
Source:
Hamid R Sohrabi, Brandon E Gavett, Michael Weinborn, Craig P Speelman, Romola S Bucks, Ralph N Martins, The McCusker Subjective Cognitive Impairment Inventory (McSCI): a novel measure of perceived cognitive decline, Age and Ageing, Volume 53, Issue 7, July 2024, afae138
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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