The first dementia screening day in Amberg in the Upper Palatinate was met with great enthusiasm. Many citizens followed the joint invitation of digiDEM Bayern, the Digital Dementia Register Bavaria in Erlangen, and its Amberg cooperation partners Jan Kreusel and Birgit Hübner, to have their own cognitive performance checked free of charge with the help of a scientific short test.
„The interest was constant throughout the day,“ says Jan Kreusel, project assistant for digiDEM Bavaria and occupational therapist from Regenstauf, happily. Long before the official start, the first visitors arrived at the St. Family Parish Hall at Karlsbader Straße 1 last Saturday (March 25, 2023). „People took advantage of the short distances and took the first step towards a timely diagnosis to gain certainty early on. Many were relieved when they received their personal dementia test results.“
„Very satisfied“
Together with Birgit Hübner, a digiDEM Bavaria research partner, and two other supporters, Jan Kreusel conducted around 30 short scientific tests, the so-called Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). „We are very satisfied with the turnout. ‚That was quick!‘ many said, surprised by how short the test was,“ reports Jan Kreusel. He explains: „Of course, the screening test does not replace a comprehensive medical diagnosis, but it provides initial indications as to whether further clarification is necessary.".
Raise awareness for dementia
The aim of dementia screenings is to raise awareness of dementia among the general population, especially individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers. „The earlier dementia is detected, the sooner people with dementia and their families can learn to cope with the symptoms of the disease, and the sooner treatment and support options can be initiated,“ explains Prof. Dr. med. Peter Kolominsky-Rabas. The neurologist is one of the project leaders of digiDEM Bayern. In addition to the dementia screening, visitors in Amberg could also try a dementia obstacle course and train their memory. The dementia screening day was supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (StMGP) as part of the Bavarian Dementia Strategy.
Participate in the digiDEM Bavaria study at any time
Memory impairments are a major challenge for those affected and their families. Not leaving them alone, but supporting them, is a task for society as a whole. But which services are most urgently needed? Which ones already exist, and which are missing? This is what the research project digiDEM Bavaria aims to find out.
Participants in the study have the opportunity to actively shape the future care of people with memory impairments and their family members and caregivers. In this way, regional care gaps can be identified, to which health policy can then respond. Thus, all study participants actively contribute to improving healthcare.
Anyone interested in the study and the free dementia screening can contact Jan Kreusel, digiDEM Bavaria Project Assistant in the Upper Palatinate, directly. jan.kreusel@googlemail.com, Mobile: 0151-17861812
