Recognizing Cognitive Changes

ONE OF THE BEST TOOLS THAT

The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset offers is the Reflection Program. This program uses specialized memory and cognitive assessments coupled with physical therapy to detect early signs of cognitive decline and protect against preventable dysfunction and memory loss. We talked to Elizabeth Hoskins, NP, about normal cognitive aging and dementia.

Memory loss is not a normal or inevitable part of aging. Understanding the difference between normal cognitive changes and those more serious, such as dementia, is very important to ensure early diagnosis. This is because dementia can be prevented in up to 40% of cases.

Normal age-related changes in cognition are subtle and shouldn’t interfere with routine tasks. Examples include: occasionally having trouble finding a word or phrase, trouble with multi-tasking, slower thinking speed, trouble remembering events that happened long ago, and occasional delays in remembering dates and events.

If you notice that a loved one is having cognitive changes that are disrupting their daily life, it’s time to determine why this is happening. Forgetting names of close friends or common items, repeating questions, losing track of time or place, misplacing items, taking longer than normal to finish tasks can all be signs that cognitive changes may be due to dementia.

The Reflection Program at Gardens of Somerset helps to detect early signs of cognitive decline, and protect against preventable dysfunction and memory loss and enhances brain health and performance. Participants will complete a detailed cognitive assessment with Elizabeth, using an evidence-based tool called the BCAT. Use of this tool provides a multidimensional understanding of a resident needs and strengths. The information from the BCAT allows the physical therapy team to tailor training, exercise, and other forms of therapy to the patient’s needs. It also provides specific treatment recommendations for the Gardens of Somerset staff.

There are many options to treating those suffering from cognitive impairment, and The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset is here to assist those looking for peace of mind. Similar to the mission of the Gardens of Somerset, their goal is to offer integrated care to the residents while also inviting the community onto the campus for primary care services. For more information on the services offered at The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset from Integrated Care Professionals, or to schedule an appointment with Elizabeth, call (318) 3062389. The clinic is located at 340 Lonewa Road in Monroe.