ArcaMax

Here's another story about how American health care is letting people down. A study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that 65% to 81% of older folks who have dementia -- and their caregivers -- don't know that they have the condition!

How can that happen? The researchers say it's likely their doctors never told them they have dementia -- or, if they did, that the patient or caregiver didn't understand what was being said.

This is a clear-cut example of how important it is to be an engaged -- even impatient -- patient. As medications for dementia are being developed, you don't want to miss the opportunity to slow -- or one day even reverse -- the problem. Right now, cholinesterase inhibitors can be used to help support memory and judgment. Memantine (Namenda) is prescribed to regulate the activity of glutamate, involved in learning and memory. And two IV infusions, lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla), are approved for people with mild Alzheimer's. Then there's the treatment that offers the greatest benefit and fewest risks in randomized studies -- but isn't covered by insurance: therapeutic plasma exchange. Google "AMBAR" to see the studies.

So don't hesitate to tell your doctors about any cognition problems you experience or to ask point blank if they think you may have cognition issues. And if your doc says something you don't fully understand, get it clarified. Don't settle for anything less.

Other smart moves: Stay engaged in stimulating activities, like the brain game Double Decision, and get as much aerobic and strength-training exercise as your doc recommends.

Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).

(c)2025 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.