Dementia prevention is not just about memory but also about preserving the independence and dignity of our patients. Dementia affects not only their personal and family lives but also their caregivers. With the availability of disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer’s and the opportunity for lifestyle modification, the sooner we can diagnose these patients, the sooner we can put them on a path to better brain health.

We found 62.3 percent of people over age 65 had undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment, 12.3 percent had dementia, and only 25.5 percent had no cognitive impairment. Black individuals had more than double the odds of White individuals of having a diagnosis. The prevalence of undiagnosed cognitive impairment in the community could be higher because patients who are plugged in to primary care are different from people who do not have access to primary care.

We need more targeted interventions for communities at high risk, so people are not diagnosed at late stages when the treatment options are limited. Health care providers can emphasize brain health in routine visits and offer culturally sensitive resources to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek screening. Some health care systems are piloting digital screening tools embedded in their electronic health systems, but more needs to be done.