Alzheimer's Resources

 

It’s no secret that Alzheimer’s disease is an increasing epidemic – in fact, it currently affects an estimated 35 million people worldwide, and that number is projected to double every 20 years. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that every 70 seconds someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s.

 

If you fear someone you love may be showing signs of dementia or early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, you can take a simple first step by conducting a memory screening/assessment. Though a memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional, it is a good first step towards diagnosis and treatment.  Here are several options you can use to see if there is cause for concern:

 

SAGE test - The handwritten self-assessment, which can take less than 15 minutes to complete, is a reliable tool for evaluating cognitive abilities. It is considered one of the best self-assessment tools available today. To download, administer and score the test, please visit: www.sagetest.osu.

 

Alzheimer’s Clock Draw Test - Drawing a clock by hand is one of several useful screening tools that can help to detect mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer's. If you administer the test and find the results either disconcerting or suspicious, schedule an appointment with your personal care physician. Take the copy of the clock test with you to the doctor appointment, and show the test to the doctor. Have the person draw a clock by hand on a large piece of paper. Instruct them to draw the face of a clock and put the numbers in the correct positions. Then draw the hands to indicate 3:40 (time).  To score, assign the following points for each part of the drawing:

• 1 point for a closed circle
• 1 point for properly placed numbers
• 1 point for including all twelve numbers
• 1 point for properly placed hands

Dr. Oz Memory Quiz – Dr. Mehmet Oz hosts a memory quiz on his website which can be taken

to see how memory skills are working.  To take the quiz, please visit: http://www.doctoroz.com/node/2012/quiz/start/68c180c23d1fb311ab523196e39cba1b

   

Local Resources

 

If you live in any of the following areas, please click on the corresponding city where we have listed many local resources for you to find support and care:

 

• Cincinnati
• Dayton
• Columbus

 

 

If your loved one already has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, please take a moment to read our care tips here. 

 

For more information about memory screenings or dementia and depression in older adults, please contact Home Care by Black Stone at

1-800-HOMECARE

 

 

 

Learn more about our in-home care options by clicking on the box below:

Call Home Care by Black Stone today! Serving Southwest Ohio since 1996.