Cognitive screening available

By Courtney Warren

Technology is advancing in so many ways, and Dr. Sheila Spann is taking advantage of all those advancements have to offer. 

Dr. Spann is a Pharm D. and Diabetes Education Specialist of the Diabetes Solutions and Wellness Center in Canton. 

She is excited to share the new cognitive screening technology available to the Canton community. 

“With conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease on the rise, providing cognitive screening can fulfill an unmet need,” said Dr. Spann. 

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 5.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s Disease, with projection estimating that it will affect 14 million Americans by 2050.

 “The proactive management of modifiable risk factors can delay or slow the onset or progression of cognitive decline. The risk factors include diabetes, obesity, heart health, vision, or hearing loss, sleep disorders, and or drug interaction/dosage, or a vitamin B 15 deficiency,” said Dr. Spann. 

“Cognitive testing is also an opportunity to capture the attention of the more than 40 million Americans who act as caregivers to family members who have concerns over memory loss and associated chronic conditions,” she added. 

With this new tech, called Cognivue Thrive, Dr. Spann hopes to bring more awareness to cognitive health. 

Cognivue Thrive utilizes the same FDA-cleared technology that’s been used by neurologists and other physicians to test for cognitive function. 

“Cognitive screenings can play an integral role in identifying individuals who will benefit the most from early detection so they can make lifestyle modifications to lead healthier and better lives,” said Spann. 

There will be a cognitive health screening Wednesday, March 29, at Diabetes Solutions and Wellness Center from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.