Memory loss? There’s a screening for that.

Memory screenings evaluate your cognitive function. They can provide information about changes in memory and serve as a preliminary step in assessing brain health. While they cannot make diagnoses, screenings can indicate whether further testing is needed and help guide discussions with health care providers.

At Sharp, typical participants are adults age 55 and older or people who have a family history of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. However, screenings can be a great option for anyone concerned about memory, and candidates do not need to be a Sharp patient or have insurance to sign up.

Several hidden risk factors and lifestyle changes impact the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Women, for instance, are statistically more affected than men. While this was once attributed to their longer life expectancy, emerging research now points to increased brain stimulation, hormonal differences and genetics, such as the ApoE4 gene, which affects women differently than men.

While more research on specific populations is needed, data shows the Hispanic community is approximately 1.5 times more likely to have dementia than their Caucasian counterparts, so it is important to provide screenings that are accessible to this community. At Sharp's site and community events, the screening can be conducted in either English or Spanish.

Managing diabetes and heart health by minimizing alcohol use, quitting smoking and prioritizing sleep and physical activity can significantly reduce dementia risk, even in midlife. The interplay between whole-body factors and mental health conditions like dementia and depression is significant, as these illnesses can make each condition worse. Policy changes that support healthy nutrition and activity across the lifespan are also essential to help reduce future dementia rates.

During the session, you will sit down with research professionals from the Sharp Neurocognitive Research Center, who will ask about memory or other health concerns. You will undergo specific testing of memory and other brain functions, involving tasks related to things like recall, orientation and basic math. These tests are well-validated and have been adapted for diverse populations over time.

It's normal to be nervous about the unknown. Memory screens are painless and provide immediate results, allowing you to learn about the state of your memory and help you make informed decisions about your health.

While it is completely optional, many participants choose to take part in research studies, potentially benefiting from, and contributing to, scientific understanding and early interventions.

After learning your results, you will be provided with information on brain health and treatable causes of memory loss and confusion. You will have the option to be contacted in the future for annual screenings to track your results over time. Results are not entered into a medical record and are kept in our secure research database.