In 1964 the battle over pornography made it to the Supreme Court. In his ruling, a flabbergasted Justice Potter Stewart stated that, “I cannot describe pornography, but I sure know it when I see it!”
Thirty years later, Alzheimer’s was a disease with a funny sounding German name that no Senior could spell, none could pronounce, and none could describe.
Today, just like Justice Stewart, we know Alzheimer’s when we see it… and it scares the daylights out of us.
We live with cancer, we die of heart attacks, but nothing grinds us down like the fear of living with Alzheimer’s.
Science is racing for an answer. While there is yet no cure, there are promising treatments that may slow the disease’s progression.
But, the first step is testing your cognitive abilities. And these days it is easy to do… and it costs you nothing!
Cognitive Testing is Covered By Medicare
That’s right with a doctor’s referral Medicare Part B covers outpatient neurocognitive testing. So, what are you waiting for?
There are two main reasons why you should consider cognitive testing. First, you may feel as if you are not quite as sharp as you used to be and you would like to find out if it is a sign of creeping dementia. It could easily be due to natural cognitive decline but if it is something more serious you should find out sooner rather than later. Like any other disease it is better to catch it early so you can be proactive about slowing its progress.
Secondly, if you pass with flying colors you now have peace of mind as well as a benchmark against which you can compare future tests. This could be quite important if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
Cognitive testing is not time consuming and it is non-invasive. And, you can be tested every year with Medicare picking up the tab.
What a Cognitive Test Measures
Cognitive tests assess key areas of brain function and generally take 2-4 hours. Most include a common set of tasks that measure orientation, memory, attention, language, spatial reasoning, and executive function as follows:
1. Orientation
- What is today’s date?
- What city are we in?
- What is the name of this place?
2. Memory
- Immediate recall: Repeating a list of words right after hearing them.
- Delayed recall: Repeating the same words after a few minutes.
3. Attention and Concentration
- Subtracting a number from 100 repeatedly
- Spelling a word backward
4. Language
- Naming common objects
- Repeating phrases
- Following verbal or written instructions
- Writing a sentence
5. Visual-Spatial Skills
- Copying a geometric figure
6. Executive Function
- Problem-solving tasks
- Abstract thinking (e.g., explaining a proverb)
Cognitive Decline is a Natural Part of Aging
Natural Cognitive decline can begin as early as the late 20s or early 30s, but for most adults, noticeable changes typically start in the 40s or 50s. However, this process is gradual and varies by individual.
Here’s a general breakdown of cognitive changes by age:
- 20s-30s: Peak cognitive performance, especially in processing speed and memory.
- 40s-50s: Some mild slowing in processing speed and multitasking ability.
- 60s-70s: More noticeable changes in working memory, recall, and problem-solving speed.
- 80s+: Increased risk of significant cognitive decline, though many people maintain strong mental faculties with an active lifestyle.
That said, crystalized intelligence (knowledge, vocabulary, and wisdom) tends to remain stable or even improve with age, while fluid intelligence (problem-solving and quick thinking) declines earlier.
Noticing changes in thinking or memory is a reason to pause—not panic. When changes are identified early, there is meaningful room to respond. Research and clinical experience show that cognitive strategies, medical follow-up, healthy routines, and strong social engagement can help protect functioning and slow further decline. Early awareness allows strengths to be reinforced, risks to be managed, and plans to be made with intention rather than urgency.
Early understanding creates opportunity, and opportunity creates hope.
Thanks to Uncle Sam’s Medicare, advances in science, and your own initiative you can now manage your cognitive state rather than allowing it to manage you. You are in charge.
Author’s Note: Dr. Kathrin Ritter of the Jacksonville Neuro and Clinical Psychology Group (a leading Cognitive Testing Service serving Ponte Vedra Beach) has provided invaluable insight and guidance as I researched this article. For more information, visit the Jacksonville Neuro and Clinical Psychology Group.