As a follow-up to my last article last month on The Alzheimer’s Mild Memory Impairment Dilemma, there is a new task force report out this week on routine screening of healthy individuals for dementia risk. First I will review their recommendations, then I will share what I believe may be a healthier approach.
Bottom line the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that there is still not enough clear evidence to recommend routine screening for dementia. At least not among healthy adults. The draft recommendation applies to adults over age 65 years without signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment. It is posted on the USPSTF Web site (see it here) and will be open for public comment before the Task Force develops a final recommendation. (You are welcome to give them your opinion.)
The task force noted that while there is adequate information on the accuracy of some brief screening tools to identify dementia, like the mini mental, the clinical significance of other medical and non-medical interventions (like cognitive stimulation and physical activity) “is uncertain,” according to the Task Force.
“Certainly, if someone comes in with signs or symptoms, that requires evaluation” the panel noted. However, for healthy persons, it was not clear to them if the benefits would outweigh harms of screening (eg, the impact of labeling and of false-positive results). Plus there is evidence that current meds like Aricept “are associated with adverse events, some of which are serious, for example, central nervous system disturbances and arrhythmia.” So as I noted in my last blog, these do not appear to be appropriate for individuals with only mild impairment.
Of interest is their note that “If we had information on treatments that might be available in early dementia that were highly effective, I think that would be one thing,” Task Force co-vice chair Albert Siu, MD, told Medscape Medical News. ”
Well, it may be a matter of opinion, but some would say that there are interventions (e.g. treatments), especially for healthy seniors, that have been shown to be quite effective in reducing risk for dementia, and improving mental health. See the link in the article above to chapter one of our book Alzheimer’s May Be Stopped Now! Here’s How.
Last month I told you of a woman whose brain age on a standardized test went from 41 to 24 in a 12 month period just by taking Dr. Shea’s formula, and doing computer based mental activities.
On Monday another woman who’s husband has a more serious diagnosis, with significant memory loss, and disorientation, now on an advanced drink mix formula, and lifestyle modification program, reported:
“Mood and bearing [are] more positive still: i.e. today he spoke with his cousin in NC about their return from Australian trip. Cousin couldn’t believe how “bright” [husband] sounded. [He] then reported about the trip to me – able to answer most of my questions well. He drove in and out of Boston last week without hesitation…”
I will be talking more about this more advanced formula in our webinar on Friday Nov 15th, mentioned in the note above. If you or someone you know or work with would like to listen in simply email me and I’ll put you/them on the list for further instruction and links.
You see there are things that can help people. That is what this site is all about. But most doctors, including the illustrious USPSTF panel are by-in-large ignorant to these. Hopefully when Dr. Shea’s study comes out next year, it will turn some heads. But as our above noted chapter explains, there are already several mental and physical, as well as nutritional interventions that have lots of good empirical support.
But how can a healthy person tell if they might be at risk? Again I have a 50 item questionnaire, based on hundreds of studies that can give a person some good indication. (Ask me and I’ll send it to you for free.) Other than a family history of dementia, subjective impairment (knowing that your mind or memory is not working as well as it once did or should) is one pretty good indication of significant risk. High homocysteine or C-reactive protein, high blood pressure, or insulin resistance are all well documented bio-signs of increased risk for further cognitive decline in otherwise healthy populations.
Plus all are conditions that can be corrected, if addressed soon enough, with well validated practices to mitigate future risk for dementia. So while I respect their caution, I must disagree with these conclusions. And I do intend to tell them why. Will they pay attention and alter their conclusions? I doubt it, but you can help me get the word out on this. Please share this site with others. The things we talk about here can make a difference and reduce future risk and needless suffering and expense.
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Prevention Strategies 
