A rescued fawn, gas prices and seat belts on school buses in today’s letters to the editor.

Pick of the day: Dementia screening isn’t enough

Re: Dr. Michael Camardi’s response to a letter from a patient’s family (“Questionnaire gives early insight into dementia,” June 19 column):

I am a neuropsychologist and many of my patients are older adults experiencing symptoms of dementia as outlined in the questionnaire to which Camardi referred in his article and subsequent letter of response to a patient. While I agree the questionnaire is a useful tool for screening symptoms of dementia, I do not think the letter made clear enough the need for referral for further testing.

The patient’s family pointed out the lengthy testing that ultimately resulted in the same diagnosis. This can be misleading as suggesting further testing is not needed.

Other disorders and diseases share the symptoms of dementia screened for in the questionnaire (e.g., normal pressure hydrocephalus, for which there is a treatment that is very effective when diagnosed early). Proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment; it is of the utmost importance to refer individuals experiencing these symptoms to a qualified health care provider.

As our population ages, the need for health care providers who specialize in this population becomes greater, and we, as a society, must become more familiar with the difference between normal aging and symptoms of a disorder or illness.

DR. LEVETA HORNE

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Licensed Psychologist

ORLANDO, FLA.