PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It is estimated that dementia affects more than 5 million Americans, and it is the fifth leading cause of death in Americans older than 65.
Most people know that Alzheimer's is a major cause of dementia, but there can be underlying conditions, including depression, Parkinson's disease and metabolic imbalances.
Many people do not know that there is a simple four-minute test that can be performed in your doctor's office to do an initial evaluation. It is called the general practitioner assessment of cognition, and it is a six-item test that incorporates clock drawing and tests on memory and orientation.
If a person fails this test, they move on to more specific tests. The important point is that this is not expensive or invasive and can help make a diagnosis.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
