Most older adults think that screening for dementia is a good idea, but few actually take that step. Only about 20% of those aged 65-80 had a screening test in the past year to see whether their memory and thinking abilities have started to decline, according to the results of the latest University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. “As many as half of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia don’t receive a formal diagnosis, even when they have clear symptoms,” J. Scott Roberts, PhD, said in a statement. More than 1,200 older US adults provided answers in the poll conducted in March. The survey results showed that 80% of respondents recognize the benefit of assessing memory and thinking, and about 60% think that healthcare providers should offer annual cognitive or mental screening to all older adults. Almost all respondents (96%) said a memory test that showed signs of trouble would inspire them to take action to protect their brain health.
