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Update 7/5/05
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Brain scans to determine memory loss debated
By Cassie Shaner
The Marietta Times
cshaner@mariettatimes.com

Esther Farley is forgetful sometimes. In fact, her doctor often teases her about her forgetfulness.

Farley, 83, said she might even consider undergoing testing to see if her forgetfulness was the sign of an underlying problem.

“I think it would be helpful,” she said. “If my doctor would suggest it, I probably would do it.”

Farley is among an increasing number of senior citizens considering preventative screenings to judge whether they might be susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other neurological conditions.

While they can sometimes be helpful in differentiating between normal signs of aging and the beginnings of a neurological disorder, health professionals debate whether such scans are really necessary.

Some doctors choose to routinely perform brief screenings in their offices to test memory and information processing. However, neurologists argue that such screenings are incomplete and inaccurate.

“You have to take into consideration whether someone has an eighth grade education versus someone who has an engineering degree,” said Dr. Scott Sole, a neurologist at Parkersburg Neurology. “In order to know for sure, you’d have to have some sort of neuro-psych testing.”

In 1999, the University of Texas at Dallas’ School of Behavior and Brain Science opened the Center for BrainHealth, which aims to maximize mental health by combining research and clinical intervention. The center offers three-hour brain screenings for $350.

The screenings, which are not covered by insurance, have steadily increased in popularity. Last year, the center performed 160 screenings, compared to only 50 the previous year.

Sole said the center’s screenings likely incorporate some sort of partial neuro-psychological testing. A complete test would last at least five or six hours.

“You’re still better off talking to your physician about it,” Sole said. “They can screen out some of the simple things, then you can see a neurologist for further testing.”

The Alzheimer’s Association agrees with Sole’s stance.

“It cannot stand alone as a diagnostic tool,” said Melissa Gandee, regional director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Office, of the screenings. “I think it could be useful in determining some abnormal features maybe, but it’s not going to tell you that you have Alzheimer’s disease.”

Sole said that even though neuro-psychological testing is the most accurate way to test for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, that is often unnecessary, as well. Of his dementia patients, he has only ordered such testing for about one out of 20 patients.
“We really don’t do them very often,” he said. “It’s just going to be more of a clinical diagnosis.”

Carola Short, 77, was concerned about the cost of such scans, noting that they would be difficult for many seniors to afford.

“I don’t know if I’d want to go and have it done,” she said.

Sole seemed to think that health centers offering expensive screenings might have an ulterior motive.

“It sounds like they’re kind of prying into people’s fears,” Sole said. “Everyone thinks about that.”