When Awareness of Memory Problems Fades
Finding based on nearly 2,100 older adults who were assessed annually for more than 10 years
But this study, he said, offers a "rigorous analysis" of the issue.
The findings have some clear implications, according to Morgan. "If you don't think you have a problem, you're unlikely to seek help," he said. "So, it's important for relatives to be sensitive to signs of dementia."
Wilson agreed. If mom sometimes misplaces her keys, there's no need to rush to the doctor, he said. But if she's showing a pattern of memory lapses -- and seems unaware of it -- that would be a red flag, he said.
Morgan noted that under the recent health care law, Medicare must now cover screening tests for cognitive impairment.
"But in practice," he said, "that may amount to the doctor asking, 'How's your memory?' Obviously, that's inadequate."
There is no cure for dementia, but detecting it in earlier stages is still important, Morgan said. There are some medications that can lessen or stabilize symptoms, and people with milder impairment may be able to enroll in a clinical trial testing new therapies, he pointed out.
Earlier detection also allows people to plan for the future while they still have the capacity to make decisions, Morgan said.