Dementia ECHO: Timing of Dementia Diagnosis: Why is Earlier Better?

Dementia, of all kinds, occurs in all communities and is a chronic disease. With the proper tools and education, it can be diagnosed and managed, for the most part, in primary care. In this presentation, Dr. Blythe Winchester discusses risk factors, annual wellness exam, cognitive assessment, and care plan services including how to how to get started, who can do the assessment, where it can be done, codes, resources, and what’s included.

To watch this presentation please click the video below

The presenter, Blythe Winchester, MD, MPH, CMD, AGSF, is a board-certified Geriatrician and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, NC. She practices at Cherokee Indian Hospital and is the Certified Medical Director at Tsali Care Center.

To review the presentation slides, click the link below:

Timing and Cognitive Screen — Big Picture

For additional resources related to dementia and care services, review the links below:

Algorithm for Dementia Diagnosis

CMS: Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services

Cognitive Impairment Screening in Older Adults: USPSTF

Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Algorithm for Assessment of Cognition