Cognitive Health Testing Tools
The National Institutes of Health has developed a resource that first links to a description of existing measures of cognitive function and then to epidemiologic studies using these measures. The description of each study also includes a citation of publications addressing some of the predictors of cognitive change that have been identified (e.g., education, physical activity, mood, and a variety of medical conditions). The information may be linked to at: http://trans.nih.gov/cehp/HBPcog1.htm
Clinical tools and information include:
Eastern Maine Medical Center 489 State Street Bangor, ME 04401 1-207-973-7000 www.emmc.org
Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) offers cognitive (brain) health clinical services, including assessment and treatment, offered by rehabilitation specialists, neurologists and neuropsychologists. For more information on specific clinical services go to www.emmc.org
EMMC Neuropsychology is a clinical assessment service for people who have suffered an injury or illness that affects brain function. Neuropsychological assessment is a series of tests to how well the brain is functioning, where tissue has been damaged, and distinguishes between psychological and neurological problems. The tests also indicate a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses and how well they are coping with illness. These assessments identify a patient’s capacity for independent living, driving, and returning to school or work. In children, neuropsychological testing is helpful in diagnosing developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders.
http://www.emmc.org/neuropyschology.aspx
The Acadia Hospital 269 Stillwater Avenue PO Box 422 Bangor, ME 04402-0422 1-800-640-1211 (toll free) www.acadiahospital.org
The Acadia Hospital has a variety of cognitive (brain) health assessment and treatment services, including dementia evaluation and older adult mental health services. An outpatient Older Adult Mood and Memory Clinic provides assessment and treatment of a wide variety of problems related to depression, dementia and anxiety disorders. Referrals to this program are made by calling the Acadia Hospital at 207-973-6100 or toll free 1-800-640-1211.
Dementia Education and Referral Information
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center P.O. Box 8250 Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250 1-800-438-4380 (toll-free) www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers
The National Institute on Aging’s ADEAR Center offers information and publications in English and Spanish for families, caregivers, and professionals on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education and training, and research related to Alzheimer’s.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Healthy Brain Initiative: A National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health. http://www.cdc.gov/aging/healthybrain/roadmap.htm
Home Safety Information
Aging consumers and family often look for information on home safety, wandering, driving, and more. Identified here are web sites with resource information on safety and related topics. While there may be some overlap, each site has unique features and is aimed at providing current, practical, and expert information.
Alzheimer’s Association National Office 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601-7633 1-800-272-3900 (toll-free) 1-866-403-3073 (TDD/toll-free) 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 www.alz.org
This publication offers eighteen topic sheets and brochures on home safety, medication, travel, driving, wandering, encountering a person with Alzheimer's disease, disaster preparedness, pandemic, the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® program and more. Access the information at: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_publications_safety.asp
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) Silver Springs, MD.
This publication includes general safety concerns room-by-room and behavior-by-behavior. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/homesafety.htm
National Institute on Aging Alzheimer’s’ Home Safety Brochure
This booklet is for those who provide in-home care for people with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. Our goal is to improve home safety by identifying potential problems in the home and offering possible solutions to help prevent accidents.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/homesafety.htm
Home Safety Council Older Adult Safety
This website offers many tips and resources for safe senior homes.
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafeSeniors/sen_safeseniors_w001.asp
Driving Assessment and Safety Resources