Table 3 Participant Experiences with Patient-Provider Discussions about Cognition (n = 68)
From: Patient-provider communication about cognition and the role of memory concerns: a descriptive study
Response Codes | Sample Frequency | Exemplar Quotes |
|---|---|---|
Sought input on specific cognitive concerns | 38.2% | We discussed in general terms the fact that I am having more difficulty recalling words, since I have very random conversations. Most days I do little more than exchange pleasantries to people in passing. When I was actively teaching, coaching, etc., words flowed more easily. Many times, this searching for words or common names is disconcerting |
Provider normalized/dismissed cognitive concerns | 32.4% | In the beginning I just expressed concern over forgetfulness. Discussed if medication could cause this. It was pretty much dismissed and didn’t get feel that there was concern. More recently, I have noted more impairment and it worries me. But my primary care physician doesn’t really offer any comment or alternative |
Discussion of cognitive concerns led to assessment | 25.0% | My mother died of Alzheimer’s as did other members of her family so I was concerned and talked to my PCP about some minor memory issues. He did a cognitive test and said that I was fine for my age |
Cognition discussion was related to other health issues | 20.6% | I have had several mental health diagnoses since I was a teenager and I also have chronic pain and was misdiagnosed with a stroke last year |
Discussion or assessment as part of routine exam | 11.8% | I turned 65 and got Medicare. So I went for a wellness appointment as I hadn’t been in the habit to see doctors unless injured. I did what I think was a test for dementia, or to check my cognitive skills. I passed, but talked about forgetfulness possibly due to not concentrating at the moment about where I set something down or moves something |
Provider decided to continue to monitor for change | 8.8% | We discussed how things were going and I told her about forgetting things more. Simple things. We discussed what things and she said there were tests she could conduct but did not feel like I had reached a point to worry and that we would check back later. Which we did on each visit after |
Sought input on normal cognitive changes in aging | 5.9% | I just asked my doctor if it was normal for a person my age to have memory loss |
Provider recommended non-pharmacological interventions for cognition | 5.9% | Initially I was aware of forgetting then remembering words while speaking to friends, but most of them also had the same issue… The doctor suggested I play games, do crossword puzzles, etc. to help with the issue |
Sought information on prevention of cognitive decline | 5.9% | Because my mom went through this problem I wanted to know was I going to have this problem and how could I look at it now before it starts to affect me |
Referral to specialist | 5.9% | I spoke about it with my psychologist who recommended that I have a neuropsychological battery of tests done… The psychologist said it was rather like running state-of-the-art software on a windows 98 operating system. All the components were there and running as they should, just slower |