80% of seniors recognize the importance of dementia screening, but only a small number have been tested.
80% of seniors recognize the importance of dementia screening, but only a small number have been tested.
The Importance of Cognitive Screening for Older Adults

Most older adults understand the importance of screening for dementia, but only a small percentage actually undergo the necessary tests. According to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, only about 20% of adults aged 65 to 80 had a screening test in the past year to assess their memory and thinking abilities. This is concerning, especially considering that as many as half of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia remain undiagnosed, even when they exhibit clear symptoms.
The poll, which gathered responses from over 1,200 older adults in the United States, revealed some interesting findings. The majority of respondents (80%) recognized the benefits of cognitive tests for older adults. Additionally, 60% believed that healthcare providers should offer cognitive screening to all older adults every year. These numbers indicate that there is a general understanding and support for screenings among the older population.
One significant finding from the poll was that 96% of respondents stated that a memory test indicating potential decline would prompt them to take action to protect their brain health. Furthermore, 75% said it would lead them to adjust their financial and healthcare planning accordingly. These results highlight the fact that older adults are proactive and willing to take steps to maintain their cognitive well-being if they receive appropriate guidance.
Medicare covers brief cognitive tests as part of its annual wellness visit for all enrolled individuals, while more comprehensive tests are available for those showing signs of cognitive decline. However, the poll revealed that blood tests to detect biomarkers of brain proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, such as tau and amyloid, were less familiar to respondents. Only 17% of those polled were acquainted with these blood tests, and less than 1% received one. Nevertheless, 9% expressed interest in undergoing such a test if available.
It is worth noting that these blood tests are currently ordered by doctors specializing in brain diseases. However, over 50% of participants believed that these tests should be made available to all adults over the age of 65. This indicates a significant demand for broader access to diagnostic tools for cognitive health.
- Are expensive new Alzheimer’s drugs worth it?
- Late-life volunteering may prevent Alzheimer’s
- Timed fasting is the best way for individuals with diabetes to lose...
Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, the director of the poll and an associate professor of internal medicine at Michigan Medicine, emphasized that older adults rely on their healthcare providers for cognitive screening or blood biomarker testing when they feel it’s necessary. This expectation, combined with the increasing availability of options after a cognitive impairment diagnosis, supports the recommendation that providers should assess patients at higher risk or who exhibit signs of cognitive decline.
Interestingly, women were more likely than men to experience significant distress if a screening or blood biomarker test suggested early signs of dementia. Approximately 60% of older adult women expressed such distress, highlighting the emotional impact that these test results can have.
Researchers also discovered an ethnic disparity in testing. Only 10% of older Hispanic adults reported undergoing cognitive screening in the past year, compared to 22% of white respondents and 21% of Black respondents. Additional analysis conducted by doctoral student Chelsea Cox indicated that older age, higher levels of education, poorer physical health, Medicare Advantage coverage, and positive views on screening were associated with a higher likelihood of cognitive screening.
The findings of this poll highlight the urgent need to address barriers to cognitive testing in diverse groups of older adults. Improving awareness of access to testing during Medicare annual wellness visits could be one strategy to overcome these barriers.
In conclusion, cognitive screening is vital for older adults, yet many fail to undergo these assessments despite recognizing their benefits. The availability of more diagnostic and treatment options underscores the importance of understanding older adults’ views on testing and the need to support them throughout the process. By promoting greater access to cognitive screening, healthcare providers can empower older adults to take proactive steps toward preserving their brain health and ensuring optimal well-being as they age.
Sources:
- Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan, news release, July 19, 2023
- The U.S. National Library of Medicine: Cognitive Testing
Image:

SLIDESHOW: The Stages of Dementia: Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging Brains