Study Finds Many Americans in the Dark About Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

An MDVIP/Ipsos survey indicated that many Americans are largely misinformed in terms of understanding dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with nearly half failing a "Brain Health IQ" quiz, reports PR Newswire . About two out of three adults also report feeling depression or anxiety during the pandemic, and two out of five have experienced "brain fog" characterized by forgetfulness or loss of memory. Moreover, two out of three are concerned with cognitive decline, but few are consulting with their doctor to learn brain health facts or their own risk. A stunning 65 percent of Americans older than 55 have never had a cognitive screening test, even though baseline and regular assessments are critical to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disease. "As the baby boomer generation ages, the number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's is expected to skyrocket, underscoring the need to improve brain health literacy among physicians and patients," said MDVIP Chief Medical Officer Andrea Klemes. She added that the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the brain remain uncertain, "and we hope that research such as ours will continue to shine a light on this very serious health issue."