Why Have a Memory Screen?

Physicians now routinely screen for blood pressure, cholesterol, breast cancer, prostate cancer and a variety of other conditions as part of an annual physical exam. We recommend screening for memory problems as well, as they are often not detectible in casual conversation or even in the course of a physician visit.

As with other serious illnesses, early detection of Alzheimer's disease is crucial because there are now effective treatments that help patients function better.

Memory screening can be done either directly with an individual concerned about memory loss OR a questionnaire can be completed by someone concerned about memory loss in a friend or loved one.

*A positive screen does not mean that someone has the disease, but that they should be fully evaluated.

What is involved in a memory screen here at The Memory Clinic?

There is no cost for this quick—and entirely confidential—testand it typically takes between seven and 15 minutes. The person is asked to perform a number of mental tasks such as learning a list of words or a brief story and then recalling the information a short time later. He or she is asked to draw or copy shapes and to repeat sentences.

Each of the tasks is relatively easy and familiar. Most people find completing the screen to be enjoyable and are reassured that their memory is fine.

In a small number of cases, the screen suggests that a more complete evaluation needs to be conducted.

Caregiver Questionnaires

The ADCQ or Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Questionnaire (http://www.adcq.net/) was designed here at The Memory Clinic as an easy to use tool for those concerned about memory problems in someone close to them. It can help a family member or a medical professional determine if a loved one has a memory problem that should be fully evaluated.

Though it certainly cannot determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease, the ADCQ can serve as screening device. Much like we now routinely screen for breast and prostate cancer, this and other instruments screen for Alzheimer’s disease. Questionnaires like the ADCQ may be the ideal way to screen for memory problems, as they can be completed by a relative or friend, as people with memory problems are often reluctant to be screened. The results can then be discussed with the individual who is experiencing the problems, perhaps in the company of their primary-care physician, with the goal of having them evaluated.

Memory questionnaires are also being used by primary care physicians as part of routine physicals. They are completed by a relative or friend in the waiting room and the physician then discusses the results as part of the examination, much like they would discuss the results of cholesterol or blood pressure screening.

The ADCQ has been shown to be more than 90% accurate.