Make It Routine: Screening for Cognitive Decline in Primary Care

Dementia cases are rising—but early detection can slow cognitive decline, improve quality of life, and reduce caregiver burden. In this special World Brain Day episode of Primary Viewpoints geriatrician Anna Chodos, MD, joins us to discuss why routine cognitive screening should be standard in primary care settings.

Dr Chodos outlines actionable steps primary care teams can take to incorporate brief cognitive and functional assessments during routine visits, including tools that fit seamlessly into clinic workflows and the role of electronic health record reminders.

She also shares insights from more than a decade of dementia care, offering a practical "brain health plan" that physicians can implement immediately to support their older adult patients—starting with what they already do well.