Dementia is a profound and devastating disease that can impact one’s life significantly. Individuals who are diagnosed with this condition may experience a range of issues, from loss of memory and impaired problem-solving and reasoning to communication difficulties and a number of other cognitive problems. However, all hope is not lost. Early screening will enable medical practitioners to identify the signs of early cognitive decline so that those at high risk can be introduced to integral lifestyle interventions to improve their brain health and quality of life.
Understanding Dementia and What It Entails
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects millions of people around the globe each year and is commonly found in elderly individuals. It is generally considered an umbrella term that refers to a group of symptoms associated with cognitive decline affecting a person’s ability to perform daily activities. While this condition is not a normal passage of ageing, the risk of dementia increases, especially after the age of 65. However, some may develop dementia in their 40s and 50s or even earlier – this is referred to as young-onset dementia.
As the condition progresses, patients lose the ability to function independently, affecting their behaviour, emotions, as well as relationships. According to a study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health, ‘About 1 in 10 people aged 60 and above in Singapore has dementia’, making early detection an important facet in the treatment of this condition. But symptoms usually do not appear until decades later, and the early signs of cognitive decline are often dismissed as ‘lack of sleep’, being ‘inattentive’ or simply due to ‘old age’, placing such patients at a higher risk of developing dementia in the future.
Exploring Neurowyzr’s Digital Brain Function Screen
It is no secret that a debilitating condition like dementia can pose considerable worry and stress on patients and their families. It can take a significant toll on everyone involved, making dementia screening an essential step in managing these patients. In addition to confirming the diagnosis and initiating a good treatment plan, early screening can help uncover undetected cognitive decline and serve as a foundation for neuropsychological testing. When it comes to assessing cognition, there are several types of cognitive impairment tests, but they can be quite expensive and time-consuming, making it inaccessible to many patients. In addition, they may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle differences. Our solution? Digital Brain Function Screen (DBFS)!
Designed to assess early brain decline, this screening tool is a medical-grade assessment that evaluates a range of brain functions, from immediate and working memory to attention and executive function. With Neurowyzr’s Digital Brain Function Screen, you can conveniently bridge the gap between test precision, cost concerns, and convenience. In comparison to conventional screening tools, our Digital Brain Function Screen is cost-effective, quick and easy to use. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete the test, which comprises a series of mini neuroscience games, including simple questions, puzzles, basic mathematical functions, and various other tasks.
Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is referred to as a minor yet noticeable decline in memory (early stage) and other cognitive abilities and is more significant than what is expected of normal ageing. This early cognitive decline is considered a precursor to dementia, and the signs of mild cognitive impairment can be detected even in adulthood. Therefore, while our Digital Brain Function Screen is not a diagnostic tool, it is advisable to get tested with our Digital Brain Function Screen annually so that early and inexpensive interventions can be carried out before the condition worsens and severe symptoms start to appear.
This test is done online and can either be completed in the comfort of your own home or at the clinic. Once your report is ready, a clinician will discuss your results during a consultation. If any signs indicative of an early cognitive decline are present on the report, you can either choose to get more information from our doctors or redo the test at a later date. If you decide to repeat the test and your results turn out to be equally risky or even worse, you will be referred to a neuro specialist for further investigation. After the diagnosis has been made, a suitable treatment plan will be developed for you.
Benefits of Early Cognitive Screening
Early detection of MCI offers timely access to support and services, information, and medication, as well as promotes active participation in the decision-making process. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits:
Effective Disease Monitoring
Innovative screening tools like the Digital Brain Function Screen can assist with establishing a baseline measurement of a person’s cognitive ability. This will allow healthcare practitioners to monitor the disease progression effectively and adjust the intervention plan accordingly. This personalised approach is more effective and suited for patients’ different lifestyles.
Enhanced Treatment Planning
Early detection will also ensure that individuals have more time to build a good relationship with their doctors and caregivers, facilitating a seamless and enhanced care plan. Early screening will also contribute to the prevention of severe neurodegenerative diseases.
Increased Awareness and Understanding
The stigmas associated with dementia occur mainly due to the lack of public awareness and understanding of the disease. Early cognitive screening and intervention are beneficial in combating this problem and may also encourage individuals to seek help early.
Why Choose Neurowyzr?
Early cognitive decline is more common than one would think. If you are worried about the risks of dementia or have a family history of this disease, we recommend that you take the first step towards protecting your brain health by taking the Digital Brain Function Screen. Getting tested annually will allow your doctor to track your brain health and detect any brain decline early so that prompt intervention can be offered.As a visionary brain capital solutions company that offers a comprehensive array of gamified digital assessments and multichannel care, Neurowyzr’s aim is to improve the brain health and personal potential of everyone. Need more information on our brain health measurement tools and other solutions? Reach out to our friendly and dedicated team today!