Most people know what colonoscopy is. Most people know what mammography is. Even if they don’t quite know the science behind screening tests, most people know that it’s important to find diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease before they present in an urgent state. Diseases that don’t cause pain can be silent killers. Most people understand that early detection before symptoms develop can improve outcomes.
So what is a colonoscopy? It’s a very brief, convenient, sensitive test to look for possible cognitive decline. At ART we use a ten-minute test called MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) test. We believe this test should become one of our vital signs for everyone 40-45 years of age. Please request yours if we don’t include it as part of your intake. It is included in the initial consult.