Baseline Neurological Assessment Recommended for Those 55 to 60 to Monitor Future Memory Loss

PALM BEACH, Fla. - March 10, 2015 - PRLog -- A neurological examination is an assessment that allows the neurologist to determine if the patient is developing any type of neurological disorder. It also allows the neurologist to have a “starting point” or baseline for comparison as the patient ages. Being able to compare later examinations to the baseline is vital to monitor changes in the brain. By monitoring the changes in the brain, the neurologist may be able to determine whether the patient is developing a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, much earlier. Dr. Michael Tuchman, of Palm Beach Neurological Center, recommends that a baseline neurological exam be conducted for individuals between the ages of 55 and 60.

Alzheimer’s disease is a fairly common problem in older adults

Roughly 5.2 million Americans of all ages had reported cases of Alzheimer’s disease in 2014. The percentage of Americans who have Alzheimer’s disease increases as their age increases: Roughly 11% of Americans 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, while it affects 32% of Americans who are 85 or older. Early onset Alzheimer’s disease occurs in about 10% of all Alzheimer’s cases.

How a neurological assessment can impact Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia

Doctor Michael M. Tuchman of Palm Beach Neurological Center explains the importance of this type of testing: “It is evident that getting a baseline neurological assessment in patients before they are clinically sick will make a big difference on how we manage and how we plan for their future needs.”

Doctor Tuchman attended the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Paris, France during 2011. It was here that he realized the necessity of having a baseline evaluation for patients 55 to 60 as a tool to help determine how neurological care should be approached. He explains, “Just like our cardiologists do stress tests on patients before they are sick, or gastroenterologists do colonoscopies to look for early signs of cancer before it is a problem, we are going to be aggressively evaluating patients by the time they reach the age of 55 or 60 with a baseline assessment of brain morphology and brain function.”

These assessments are also great tools to further Palm Beach Neurological Center’s research in this area. While researchers have made great strides in determining what causes dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, scientists still do not fully understand the condition. Neurological assessments such as these allows patients to be informed and prepared, and they also allow researchers to further understand causes and potential prevention methods for various forms of dementia.

What to expect in a neurological exam

During a neurological examination, the Neurologist may perform the following tests and examinations:

·         MRI and PET scans

·         Motor and sensory skill assessments

·         Electroencephalograms and evoked potentials

·         Coordination and balance evaluations

·         Neuropsychological tests

·         Hearing and speech assessments

·         Spinal fluid analysis (in some cases)

Palm Beach Neurological Center highly recommends these assessments as part of their commitment to the health of their patients and for research purposes. This center is the local expert in both the clinical and the research aspects of neurological disorders and treatment. For more information about baseline neurological assessments, or any other concern about long-term memory impediments, visit the Palm Beach Neurological Center website at http://www.palmbeachneurological.com.