Memory Screening in the Community: Increasing access to early detection, diagnosis, and care

Abstract

AbstractCommunity‐based memory screening may reduce barriers and increase access to earlier diagnosis and care of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). The Memory Screening in the Community program was developed to provide cognitive screens for community members (“customers”) through Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) across the state of Wisconsin. We evaluated program results for screens completed between 2/2022‐12/2022.Trained ADRC staff administered a Memory Screening survey to customers during memory screening events, walk‐ins, or scheduled appointments. The Memory Screening survey collected site information, appointment type, demographics, living arrangements, and reasons for screen. Staff administered the Mini‐cog, Animal Naming, and/or AD8 instruments. Upon screen completion, staff indicated whether they recommended customers seek follow‐up evaluation with their primary care providers (PCPs) and provided education. After 6‐9 months, staff followed up with customers who received referrals over telephone to gather post‐screening and outcomes information.647 surveys were completed across 39 counties and 5 tribal communities in Wisconsin (Figure 1). Most (∼52%) evaluations were conducted during a memory screening event and 37.4% of screens were completed due to customer memory concerns. Most customers were White (93.7%), women (70.2%), and between 70‐79 years old (31.7%; see Table). Screen results from 214 customers suggested potential cognitive impairment and they were recommended to follow‐up with their PCPs. Most memory screens included discussions about brain health, potential causes of symptoms, dementia warning signs, and importance of early detection (Figure 2). Of customers who were referred to PCPs and agreed to follow‐up calls (n = 166), 20 have completed follow‐up calls (data collection ongoing). Of these 20, 60% (n = 12) met with their PCPs, and 42% (n = 5) received a dementia diagnosis.The Memory Screening in the Community program is feasible and has potential to provide access for cognitive screening and dementia education, especially among rural communities. In addition, roughly 1/3 of all customers screened were referred to a provider. Preliminary follow‐up data suggests community‐screening programs could facilitate diagnostic evaluation and results will be updated with a larger follow‐up sample. Overall, this evaluation demonstrates that community memory screening programs may be an effective first‐line approach in addressing ADRD‐related concerns in the community.