Abstract
Purpose: Early screening for cognitive decline (CD) is crucial for managing dementia risk factors and preventing disease progression. This study seeks to create a detailed cognitive profile for patients who are candidates for CD screening, with a focus on identifying emerging cognitive deficits and their underlying causes.
Methods: We first performed a systematic review of CD screening practices within community pharmacies. Following this, we analyzed data from 286 individuals who were screened after the introduction of these practices across 18 community pharmacies. This analysis aimed to pinpoint factors influencing patients who report subjective memory complaints (SMC).
Results: Our findings reveal that CD screening is not widely promoted globally, and participation among pharmacies remains limited. We identified specific characteristics associated with a higher risk of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), including age, usage of internet and social media, sleep patterns, and educational attainment. These factors are essential for defining the profile of individuals who would benefit most from CD screening services.
Conclusion: Enhancing early dementia detection in primary care settings may be achieved by focusing on individuals with limited engagement with internet and social media, irregular sleep patterns, and lower levels of education. Targeting these groups could significantly improve the effectiveness of CD screening programs.