Training for Memory Screeners AFA s National Memory Screening Program Josie DiChiara, Senior Vice President of External Relations, jdichiara@alzfdn.org Lauren Totaro, National Program Coordinator, ltotaro@alzfdn.org Molly Fogel, LCSW Director of Educational and Social Services, mfogel@alzfdn.org National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
National Memory Screening Program was launched in 2002 by the Alzheimer s Foundation of America (AFA) and provides free, confidential memory screenings to individuals concerned about memory loss with the objective of early detection and intervention. INITIATIVE COMPONENTS: o Community Memory Screenings (CMS)- hold year round memory screenings Memory screenings are not used to diagnose, and do not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional. All the necessary tools are provided to sites by AFA at no cost. Participating sites and information about the screening are listed on www.nationalmemoryscreening.org AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
What is Dementia? DEMENTIA Memory loss Impaired motor skills Permanent & Progressive Impaired judgement Language challenges AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior and feelings can be affected. AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
Alzheimer s Disease Most common form of dementia Neurological disorder capable of severely impacting mental and physical functioning Progressive and irreversible AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
The Importance of Early Detection Improves quality of life Empowers individuals to learn more about the disease Allows opportunity to seek counseling and other social services support Enables individuals to access treatments earlier Provides individuals time and capacity to address legal, medical and financial issues AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
National Memory Screening Portal AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
National Memory Screening Database You will go to: www.alzfdn.org ltotaro@alzfdn.org **********
National Memory Screening Portal Homepage
National Memory Screening Portal
National Memory Screening Portal- Profile
National Memory Screening Portal
National Memory Screening Portal - Add/Submit a New Screening Site
National Memory Screening Portal
National Memory Screening Portal - Manage My Screening Sites
National Memory Screening Database
National Memory Screening Portal- Screening Materials
National Memory Screening Portal - Essential Event Materials
General Instructions AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
Who Can Administer Screenings? Qualified Healthcare Professionals o Nurses o Nurse Practitioners o Social Workers o Dementia Care Practitioners o Certified Health Educators o Primary Care Physicians o Psychologists o Neurologists o Geriatricians o Physician s Assistants o Pharmacists
General Instructions: For the Greeter Greet participants Offer educational materials Write/call out first names only Guide and introduce participants to the screeners o Accompanying individuals should remain in the waiting area Do not answer any questions that you are unsure of about the screening process Do not provide any medical information; Refer participants to the screeners AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
General Instructions: For the Screener Familiarize and prep yourself before the event Ask the participant if there are any special considerations to be aware of Ensure participant provides consent Administer the memory screening Understand that memory screening results are confidential and not a diagnosis Encourage follow up Keep scores confidential
Administering Memory Screenings AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
Screening Area Privacy is important. Use dividers/curtains Ensure confidentiality is maintained All information must be stored appropriately. Keep consent forms in a secured place. AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
Background on Screening Tests Tests identified by AFA s Memory Screening Advisory Board: BAS (Brief Alzheimer s Screening) GPCOG (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition) Mini-Cog MIS (Memory Impairment Screen) These four tests meet the MSAB accepted criteria: Effective screens Easy to administer Validated by research AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
Voluntary Participant Survey Encourage participants to complete the Voluntary Participant Survey By completing the survey, participants are helping to improve AFA s memory screening initiative! Mail, Fax, or Email completed surveys back to AFA
Consent Forms Only the screener should provide and explain the Participant Consent Form to the participant The consent form shows agreement of the following: o full understand of the memory screening purpose o right to confidentiality o consent to participate in the memory screening Please note that when individuals ask you for the date, you cannot tell them as this is a question on some of the screening tools. AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
BAS (Brief Alzheimer s Screening) 5 questions Follow step by step directions There is no top score. If the participant scores 23 or belowpossible cognitive impairment; further testing by a qualified healthcare professional is recommended If the participant scores 24 or above- no significant cognitive impairment indicated; further testing not recommended; suggest repeating test in 1 year. Tips- You will need a timer. (cell phones are handy!)
GPCOG (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition) Directions and flow of GPCOG are scripted for you 6 questions: Name and address for subsequent recall, time orientation, clock drawing, information, and recall Unless specified, each question should only be asked once The maximum score is a 9. If the participant scores 0-4 - There is possible cognitive impairment; further testing by a qualified healthcare professional is recommended. 5-8- More information if required; further testing by a qualified healthcare professional is suggested 9- There is no significant cognitive impairment indicated; further testing not recommended; suggest repeating test in 1 year.
Mini-Cog The Mini-Cog uses a three-item recall test for memory and a simply scored clock-drawing test. The maximum score is a 5. If the participant scores 0-2, there is possible cognitive impairment; further testing by a qualified healthcare professional is recommended. If the participant scores 3-5, there is no significant cognitive impairment indicated; further testing not recommended; suggest repeating test in 1 year. Tips- 1 point is given for each recalled word To score the clock- It must have all the numbers, each only once, are present in the correct order and direction. Two hands must be present, one pointing to 11 and one pointing to 2. Any missing elements is scored abnormal. Abnormal= 0 points Normal= 2 points Participants do not need to fill out the demographic information at the top of the page. Just date is needed.
MIS (Memory Impairment Screen) Consists of controlled learning, a short delay, and free recall, followed by cued recall for items that were not previously recalled If the participant scores 0-4- possible cognitive impairment; further testing by a qualified healthcare professional is recommended If the participant scores 5-8- no significant cognitive impairment indicated; further testing not recommended; suggest repeating test in 1 year. The maximum score is an 8.
Next steps are (on page 2 of the screen) : Distractor activity (naming animals)- no points for this activity Free recall- 2 points per word Cued recall- 1 point per word
Screening Tools Recap Tools do not provide a diagnosis Tools are preliminary and basic All results should be discussed with primary physician or specialist Tools are interpreted by subject scores and explanations of scores are further discussed on accompanied information sheet.
Next Steps After screening is administered, ensure the following: Results are explained & remind participants that: The results are not a diagnosis It is recommended to have screenings done every year as part of their annual wellness exam If participant scored below the threshold, expresses concern, or has further questions that they visit their primary care physician or specialist Complete the Participant Departure Packet What Now? What Do I Do After My Memory Screenings? Letter to Healthcare Professional Provide resources and support AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
Next Steps Participant Departure Card Brief Alzheimer s Screening 23 Fill in the following on this page: Brief Alzheimer s Screening Participant s Score If it is the participant should speak with their physician/need further testing Aug. 31, 2017 Jane Doe Back of Card Brief Alzheimer s Screening 23 24+ Yes
What Happens If Individuals may exhibit a range of emotions upon receiving scores and discussion of next steps Screeners should be aware of the following: Expressions of anger, confusion, denial, fear, sadness, and a variety of other emotions Listen, be supportive, educate and provide resources AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484
After Your Memory Screening Event Keep the Consent Forms in Secure Place Fill in and Return Data Collection Sheet and Completed Voluntary Participant Surveys to AFA! You can now do this in the portal! We love to receive pictures, newspaper clippings, and hear feedback!!!
www.alzfdn.org 866-232-8484 AFA Resources and Support National Toll-free Helpline: 866-232-8484 Monday-Friday, 9am 9pm EST, Saturday 9am-1pm EST Phone, email, Skype, and chat Concepts in Care Educational Conferences for Family & Professional Caregivers Dementia Care Professionals of America- training and certification Educational resources AFA Care Quarterly magazine Care Connection monthly teleconference AFA unites 2,600 member organizations nationwide that provide direct resources and care.
Questions? Lauren Totaro, MPH, CHES National Program Coordinator ltotaro@alzfdn.org 866-232-8484 ext. 130 AFA s National Toll-Free Helpline 866-232-8484