New Recommendations for Cognitive Screening

New recommendations from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care have come down regarding screening for cognitive impairment in community dwelling adults 65 years of age and over.

The task force, headed by Dr. Kevin Pottie, found that there isn’t good evidence to support continued routine screening and, in fact, found that one in four adults were misdiagnosed. A diagnosis of cognitive impairment can lead to anxiety and changes in life patterns including quitting jobs and, as Dr. Pottie notes, mild impairment may or may not be related to dementia and further, may or may not progress.

The recommendation notes that individuals who are concerned about their own cognitive performance should still be screened. Having symptoms including memory loss, functional difficulties or behavioural issues may point to the need for screening.