5 Reasons to Get a Cognitive Test This Healthy Aging Month

As we celebrate Healthy Aging Month this September, it's time to shine a spotlight on an often-overlooked aspect of our well-being: cognitive health.

While many of us have established health check-up routines that include cancer screenings, regular dental cleanings, and annual physicals, only 16% of older adults receive regular cognitive assessments¹ .

Failure to get regular cognitive screenings can lead to delayed detection of cognitive decline, missed opportunities for early intervention and treatment, increased health and safety risks, and overall reduced quality of life. 

Many people avoid cognitive assessments due to fear of receiving a dementia diagnosis. However, Sunday Health emphasizes that early detection of cognitive decline is crucial for potentially delaying the progression of brain impairment.

‍It's important to note that not all cognitive changes are indicative of dementia. In fact, identifying cognitive issues early can lead to more effective interventions and better overall brain health management. A cognitive assessment can help distinguish between normal age-related changes and more serious conditions, allowing for appropriate care and support to be implemented when needed.

Let's explore five compelling reasons to consider getting a cognitive assessment:

#1 Establish a Baseline for Future Comparison

Our cognition naturally changes over time. Think of a cognitive test as a snapshot of your brain's current abilities, measuring various mental functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving skills to help assess your overall cognitive health. By establishing this baseline early, you're creating a valuable reference point. As you age, future tests can be compared to this initial assessment, making it easier to spot any significant changes.

#2 Understand Risk Factors & What's in Your Control

A comprehensive cognitive assessment does more than measure your memory and thinking abilities; it provides an opportunity to work with a clinician to evaluate various risk factors that could impact your brain health, including lifestyle habits, medical history, and genetic predispositions. The good news is that many of these factors are within your control. Understanding your personal risk profile empowers you to make informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, social engagement, and other lifestyle choices that can positively influence your cognitive health.

#3 Detect Addressable Issues to Take Early Action

Many treatable conditions can mimic cognitive decline. A thorough cognitive assessment can help identify issues such as vitamin B12 deficiency, sleep apnea, or mood disorders – all of which can affect cognitive function but are often manageable with proper treatment.

In addition, late-life depression often impedes thinking, especially attention, concentration, memory, and switching between tasks. Depression causes thinking to feel slow and diminishes motivation.

By detecting these issues early, you can take prompt action to address them, potentially improving your cognitive health and overall quality of life.

#4 Access the Right Care at the Right Time

Early and regular cognitive screening is crucial for accessing beneficial interventions, particularly non-pharmaceutical approaches. The Lancet Commission emphasizes cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement as key strategies for maintaining brain health and potentially delaying cognitive decline². Early detection enables engagement in tailored programs and lifestyle modifications that can significantly impact cognitive function and quality of life.

On the pharmaceutical side, recent FDA approvals of Lecanemab (marketed as Leqembi) and Donanemab (marketed as Kinsula) offer new options for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's disease. However, these medications are not a cure and have shown only modest efficacy in slowing cognitive decline. Eligibility is limited to patients with confirmed amyloid plaques and mild symptoms, and the drugs require careful monitoring due to potential side effects.

The Lancet Commission stresses that these new treatments should be part of a broader approach to dementia care, including non-pharmacological interventions and lifelong risk reduction strategies.

#5 Plan Ahead to Maximize Independence & Safety

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. Understanding your cognitive status allows you to plan for the future proactively. If the test reveals any areas of concern, you can take steps to adapt your environment, explore support systems, and make important decisions while you're in the best position to do so.

This forward-thinking approach can help maximize your independence and ensure your safety as you age. It's particularly crucial for those who drive, as cognitive changes can impact driving ability. Early detection of cognitive issues allows for timely interventions to maintain safe driving practices or explore alternative transportation options.

At Sunday Health, we understand the vital role cognitive health plays in healthy aging. Our team of experienced nurse practitioners, neurologists, and care navigators specializes in preventive, diagnostic, and ongoing cognitive care for older adults. For those in DC-MD-VA, we offer thorough evaluations of cognitive concerns and changes, providing detailed expert assessments and personalized care plans.

This Healthy Aging Month, we encourage you to take a proactive step towards safeguarding your cognitive well-being. A cognitive test isn't just about detecting problems – it's about empowering you with information to make the best decisions for your health and future.

Remember, it's never too early to start focusing on your brain health. By taking this important step now, you're investing in a future of independence, clarity, and well-being. After all, a healthy mind is key to living your best life at any age.

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Do you have another question that the Sunday Health brain health experts can answer? We invite you to send your questions to hello@sundayhealth.com.

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Sources

1. https://www.alz.org/news/2019/new-alzheimer-s-association-report-shows-signifi
2.  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract