This 5-Minute Test Is Transforming Dementia Care in Black Communities

Dementia is a critical issue affecting more than six million older adults in the United States, and the impact on Black and Hispanic communities is particularly severe. Despite its prevalence, cognitive impairments often go unnoticed by healthcare providers, especially in busy primary care settings. Early diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial for effective treatment and planning, helping to keep older adults safe. However, traditional cognitive tests can be lengthy, expensive, and culturally biased. The Challenge of Early Detection In many primary care settings, signs of cognitive impairment are frequently missed, leaving many older adults without the necessary care and support. This issue is even more pronounced among Black and Hispanic populations due to cultural biases in existing cognitive tests and the demanding nature of primary care environments. To address these disparities, a research team led by Dr. Joe Verghese at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a new cognitive assessment tool called 5-Cog. This innovative tool is designed to be culturally unbiased and can be used by non-healthcare professionals, making it accessible and practical for diverse primary care settings. How 5-Cog Works The 5-Cog tool consists of three brief tests that assess: Memory Recall: Evaluating...