Assessing the Older Patient with New Cognitive Symptoms

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D., [@chutkaMD] Guest: Ericka E. Tung, M.D., M.P.H. If we see older patients, we commonly see Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias in our practice. At times, the presenting symptoms can be quite subtle and it’s not uncommon for the diagnosis to take several years to establish. Very often, any early symptoms which are noticed are attributed to the aging process. Although we don’t have very effective options for treating dementia, it’s still important to diagnose the condition as early as possible. In this podcast, we’ll be discussing “Assessing the Older Patient with New Cognitive Symptoms.” We’ll review the usefulness of a mental status exam, recommended lab tests, whether a brain imaging study is indicated and more with our guest, Ericka E. Tung, M.D., M.P.H., an internist, and geriatrician from the Division of Community Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.