The Importance of Early Dementia Diagnosis

Imagine walking into a room and suddenly forgetting why you’re there. This happens to many of us, although those moments are usually fleeting and therefore not cause for greater concern. However, for the millions of Americans living with dementia, such a lapse signals something deeper. Yet despite the prevalence of dementia, a large portion of cases go undiagnosed – particularly in vulnerable communities.

Early dementia detection and diagnosis is critical for effective care. That’s why Legacy Community Health is committed to providing accessible, comprehensive screening and support services to ensure early detection and timely intervention. By focusing on education and personalized care, we help individuals and families, particularly in underserved communities, to access the resources they need and navigate dementia with dignity.

Dementia Is More Than Just Aging

When people age, their brains age as well. Things they might have easily done when younger can take more time now or be a bit harder. That’s not unusual. But there is an important distinction between normal aging and pathological aging

Normal aging refers to the gradual changes that occur in the body as someone gets older, like moving a bit slower, having weaker vision, and experiencing occasional minor memory lapses. In such cases there is no significant impairment and older individuals are able to manage their daily activities and live life independently.

Meanwhile, pathological aging, caused by an underlying disease, reflects a more severe decline than normal aging. Dementia is an umbrella term for one type of pathological aging in which an older individual presents with symptoms such as severe memory loss and thinking skills and an inability to perform basic self-care tasks required for everyday living, such as paying bills. All of this can greatly impact their life.

Different Types of Dementia

Dementia occurs when the brain’s nerve cells (called neurons) lose their connection to other brain cells and stop working properly. While everyone loses some brain cells as they get older, in people living with dementia this happens at a greater and more serious rate.

Dementia affects more than 6.7 million Americans, with 14 million projected cases by 2060. The causes of dementia vary depending on the brain changes that take place.

Different types of dementia include:

• Alzheimer’s disease. This is the most common, affecting an estimated 6.9 million Americans.
• Some people even have more than one type at a time, also known as “mixed dementia.”
• Lewy body dementia.
• Frontotemporal disorders.
• Vascular dementia.

Undiagnosed Cognitive Decline in Vulnerable Communities

A recent study found that underserved populations are significantly more likely to live with undiagnosed cognitive issues – spanning from mild cognitive impairment to dementia – compared to their more privileged counterparts. Black patients are more than twice as likely as white patients to have undiagnosed cognitive issues, highlighting stark disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

Several factors contribute to this disparity. Fear of stigma surrounding cognitive decline can discourage individuals from obtaining a medical evaluation, while language barriers may complicate communication with healthcare providers, both leading to underreporting or misdiagnosis.

Even cultural norms can play a critical role. In communities where family caregiving is highly valued and deeply ingrained, relatives may assist older adults with activities of daily living and thereby potentially and inadvertently mask early warning signs of dementia. This well-meaning support can result in missed opportunities for timely diagnosis, early intervention, and better long-term outcomes.

Addressing these challenges requires focused efforts to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure culturally competent, accessible healthcare services. Legacy Community Health works hard to proactively bridge these gaps and thereby empower vulnerable communities to detect and manage cognitive decline earlier, enhancing quality of life for patients and their families.

The Importance of Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia

Earlier recognition of dementia can lead to earlier intervention and access to treatment that can slow disease progression. It also gives patients and their families extra time for any financial and legal planning they need to undertake.

There are several early signs of dementia to keep a lookout for. If you notice any of the warning signs in yourself or a loved one, schedule a consultation with a primary care provider or neurologist as soon as possible in order to receive timely medical care and support.

Some warning signs that indicate the need for medical evaluation include:

• Short-term memory loss
• Personality changes
• Not remembering certain words
• Worsening sense of direction
• Misplacing things
• Financial missteps
• Difficulty with visual tasks
• A new and sudden onset of unexplained depression

The Importance of Brain Health

Maintaining brain health is crucial in reducing the risk of dementia. Research shows that healthy diet and lifestyle choices significantly impact cognitive health.

Prioritize the following to lower risk:

• Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. Stay away from foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and excess calories.
• Exercise and physical movement: Get at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of weekly activity.
• Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep of 7-8 hours to maintain memory and cognition.
• Social Engagement: Stay socially engaged. Isolation and feelings of loneliness negatively impact brain health.
• Stress Control

It’s never too late to prioritize brain health. Small changes in a person’s daily routine can significantly reduce their risk of cognitive decline.

Legacy Community Health’s Commitment to You

Uncertainty around dementia and what that might mean for you or your family can feel overwhelming, but with Legacy Community Health by your side, no one needs to figure it out alone. We have highly trained medical professionals and other expert staff who can assist and support patients as they navigate a potential dementia diagnosis.

Whether it’s seeking help from one of our physicians in Senior Primary Care or needing to speak with someone in Behavioral Health, together we can help you create a less uncertain future. Reach out for guidance, resources, and care by visiting us online or by calling (832) 548-5000.