Alzheimer's Screenings Often Left Out Of Seniors' Wellness Exams

The Alzheimer's Association on Tuesday released a report finding that less than 50 percent of primary care doctors routinely test patients 65 and older for problems with memory and thinking. Only 16 percent of older patients surveyed say they receive regular cognitive assessments during routine health checkups, according to National Public Radio . "This cognitive assessment should be part of every senior's annual wellness visit," says Keith Fargo, director of scientific programs and outreach for the Alzheimer's Association. "But we're seeing that it's simply not happening." Medicare has made a cognitive evaluation a required part of annual wellness visits, but because doctors often skip the evaluation, many seniors are diagnosed only when they are severely impaired, Fargo says. Many doctors remain hesitant to broach the subject of cognitive testing with their older patients, says Joanne Pike, chief program officer of the Alzheimer's Association. "Usually what we're seeing is that physicians are waiting for the older adult to bring any concerns to them," Pike says.