People aged 65 years and older should be screened every year for thinking and memory problems, as per new metrics for quality improvement recommended by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and published in the journal Neurology. Early diagnosis can help detect the reversible forms of mild cognitive impairment such as due to sleep problems, depression or medications followed by timely intervention. Documenting mild cognitive impairment in the medical record also helps to alert other physicians and medical staff so that the best care is provided to that patient.

Doctors are also advised to measure how often they perform annual cognitive screenings to improve the recognition of mild cognitive impairment and allow for earlier intervention.

AAN also suggests that doctors identify care partners to help describe symptoms. Doctors should quantify involvement with family and caregivers and provide them with information so that they too receive support and get access to services to help them cope if person’s illness progresses and to improve their well-being.

Besides yearly cognitive assessments, the metrics track:

• Cognitive and functional assessments for patients with mild cognitive impairment or memory loss
• Disclosure of mild cognitive impairment diagnosis and counseling about treatment options
• Assessment and treatment of factors contributing to mild cognitive impairment, including hearing or vision loss, illness, depression, sleep disturbance, or medication side effects
• Avoidance of anticholinergic medications for patients with mild cognitive impairment
• Education for care partners of patients with mild cognitive impairment

(Source: AAN, Medpage Today)

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA