Screening for memory issues can provide beneficial information for function and health of seniors.
Clinicians are always looking for ways to discover deficits in order to educate safety and expected progress of their patients. It is easy to overlook screening for memory decline in home care, when you are focused on immediate physical safety and function. Seniors who are recovering from an illness, or dealing with chronic health issues, need to have abilities of attention to detail, short term memory, and long term memory for success. It is helpful to have a quick and easy to use tool to help identify possible deficits, in order to provide thorough care for our patients.
The SLUMS memory screen can be a great addition to your assessment.
The Saint Louis University Memory Status Exam (SLUMS) is free to access, requires minimal time, and is easy to perform and rate. Here is a link with a training video and downloadable exam. The SLUMS is appreciated for testing executive function, which has demonstrated increased sensitivity to help discover mild cognitive impairment. This tool could also be used to provide data to help a patient see their need for assistance, and/or to demonstrate improvement as they recover.
A memory screen can help a person receive timely intervention:
Several years ago I found myself concerned about my mother’s cognition. She was always an avid reader, and when she came to visit, I noticed she was on the same page of her book for 2 days. I was able to utilize the results of a memory screen assessment to help convince my father to have my mother tested. We all know in health care that the sooner a person is assessed, the sooner they will receive treatment, and early intervention is best practise. A memory screen can help provide a nudge to pay greater attention to health, or to pursue appropriate care.
What can place someone at risk for memory issues?
Many things can place someone at greater risk for cognitive decline. (CDC) Inactivity, prolonged stress, an unhealthy diet, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, genetic factors, depression, physical frailty, and other issues can increase your risk. There are things we can do to minimize our risk, and to improve our memory as we age.
General tips to help improve memory:
Eat a healthy diet- the Mediterranean diet is recommended for improving brain health. Check out this post on heart healthy eating.
Stay hydrated.
Get a good amount of sleep.
Exercise regularly.
Limit or find healthy ways to deal with stress.
Keep learning knew things.
Play memory stimulating games regularly
- Book of Games for Mild Cognitive Impairment (affiliate link)
2. Book of Games for healthy adult memory challenge (affiliate link)
Learn to use memory strategies in your daily activities.
7. Check out this Physician based book on memory strategies (affiliate link)
Check out this link for a packet with a Senior Memory Care Checklist handout at Etsy.com.
Clinicians- check out this certification course for Dementia Care at PESI! (affiliate link)
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Improve Your Assessment with a Depression Screen
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