New York City – Every 65 seconds a U.S. resident receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a rate that continues to climb. To help families spot early warning signs, NYU Langone’s Center for Memory Evaluation and Treatment sat down with former mayor Bill Ritter to discuss detection and care.
Early detection starts at home
Dr. Arjun Masurkar explained that the first clue often appears in the home when a patient or a loved one notices subtle memory lapses or difficulty finding words. “It can be hard to know the next steps,” he said, “but it’s worth pursuing a conversation with your primary‑care physician.”
When to seek a baseline screening
According to Dr. Masurkar, once individuals enter their 60s and 70s, a baseline cognitive screening can be valuable. Dr. Evan Schulze added that primary‑care doctors typically refer patients for further evaluation when there are concerns about memory, word‑finding, or other thinking skills.
Screening may involve brief cognitive tests that assess memory, language, and executive function. These assessments are not exams to pass; they are tools to identify areas of weakness and establish a reference point for future comparison.
Why a baseline matters
More people are requesting baseline evaluations, especially those with a family history of Alzheimer’s or genetic risk factors. “Establishing ‘where I am right now’ helps track changes over time,” Dr. Schulze noted.
Lifestyle habits that can help
Dr. Masurkar highlighted four lifestyle domains that research suggests may slow disease risk or progression: regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, active social engagement, and mental stimulation. While no single approach guarantees prevention, combining these habits offers the best chance to protect brain health.
Next steps for families
Families concerned about Alzheimer’s should start by discussing any memory concerns with their primary‑care physician, who can arrange basic assessments or refer them to specialists like those at NYU Langone. Early detection and proactive lifestyle choices remain the most effective strategy against this devastating disease.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
