Knowing when to check your cognitive skills
Where did I put my keys? What time is my dentist appointment? What’s my password again?
We’ve all been forgetful; trying to recall a date or remember a grocery list. With so much going on in our daily lives, it’s easy to miss or forget something along the way. But how do you know when it might be more than just being forgetful?
June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. And with an estimated 5.4 million people living with some level of Alzheimer’s disease, this is the perfect time to talk about your memory and the importance of including a cognitive assessment as part of your overall health and wellness plan.
What is a cognitive assessment?
A cognitive assessment helps determine whether your memory skills are intact, detect early signs of a mild cognitive impairment or symptoms of early dementia.
As an example, the assessment offered at CP, called Memory Catchers, measures a person’s current level of cognitive skills related to orientation concepts, attention, memory, problem solving and word finding. Once completed, the outcome of the assessment can be used as a baseline against future assessments or it can be used to provide recommendations and a strategy for areas of need. Think of an assessment as an important wellness tool, no different than a screening you might have for high-blood pressure or cancer.
Fortunately, there are several organizations in our community that provide assessments. Each one is different in what is measured, length of time needed to complete and cost, so be sure to complete your research so you find the right one for you.
Why take an assessment?
The early signs of a cognitive impairment are often overlooked. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to live with some form of impairment or early dementia without being diagnosed because the symptoms are often written off as a “senior moment.” Having a tool that can measure memory skills is one of the best proactive things you can do for your health.
Unfortunately, having an assessment completed is often easier said than done. The No.1 reason why people don’t take an assessment that I see is because — simply put — they are afraid of the results. While this feeling is understandable, having an assessment completed can actually help alleviate that fear. Not only will you know where you stand, but you’ll be armed with information, recommendations and resources to address any memory weakness.
What else can you do?
Early detection is key for any type of cognitive issue, so the sooner you can have an assessment completed, the better. Individuals with memory concerns, those with a family history of cognitive problems or anyone wanting to see how their cognitive skills measure up, are good candidates for an assessment.
In addition, you can take a proactive approach to motivating your memory and stimulate your brain by learning something new, eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and reducing stress.
Chris Harkness is director of therapy services at Cerebral Palsy, Inc., in Green Bay. CP provides individualized services for more than 2,000 people each year through locations in Green Bay, Fox Cities and the Lakeshore.