Which healthcare professionals should one consult in case of minor cognitive impairments?
Dr. Maïa Panchal initially advises consulting a general practitioner. “They can prescribe tests (blood tests, imaging, etc.) and then refer you to a neurologist, a geriatrician, or a memory clinic,” she explains. Furthermore, neuropsychological tests can also help differentiate between depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Mai Panchal emphasizes the importance of early detection. “Early diagnosis allows patients to benefit from future treatments, which primarily target the early stages,” she points out. But it also allows them to participate in clinical trials and plan for their future while they are still able to make decisions. “Finally, early diagnosis avoids certain medical risks (for example, avoiding general anesthesia, which can worsen symptoms in patients).”
How to reduce the risk of cognitive decline?
While the disease is multifactorial, as the expert points out, there are nevertheless modifiable risk factors. It is therefore advisable to:
- prevent cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol);
- stimulate your brain (continuing education, professional responsibilities, intellectual activities, curiosity, travel, social interactions);
- move regularly: not necessarily sport, but adapted physical activity (walking, gardening…);
- to have a balanced diet , close to the Mediterranean diet.
