Memory loss and cognitive impairment is not a normal part of aging, but aging becomes a risk factor if certain underlying conditions are not managed or treated properly.  Specific conditions that can result in memory loss or cognitive impairment include: diabetes, sleep disorders, cardiovascular issues, poor lifestyle choices, hearing or vision loss, medication side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, sports that impact the head, stress, depression, anxiety. 

There are 15 stress related disorders (which challenge the body’s natural homeostasis/resting state) that have been identified to be risk factors for memory loss and cognitive impairment in published studies. The 15 stress disorders include: anxiety, blurred vision, depression, diabetes, drinking alcohol, exercising, financial strain, hearing loss, hypertension, overweight, poor diet, poor sleep, smoking cigarettes, socializing, and using recreational drugs.

If these stress disorders are not addressed early enough, they could be irreversible.  Early intercession can help to slow the progression of cognitive decline!

The key to reducing someone’s risk of memory loss and overall cognitive impairment is early detection!  Studies have shown that taking proactive steps now may help to reduce a person’s risk of getting dementia.  Even someone who is already experiencing memory or other cognitive issues can do things now to help slow their memory loss and improve their recall ability. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, between 2000 to 2017, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased by 145%.  One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia – it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.  Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease.  (Talk about the economic impacts on people and the United States as a whole?)

The Brain Health Score shows the results of the Cognivue Thrive assessment and helps evaluate the user’s cognitive ability.

The results of the Cognivue Thrive assessment show:

• Three cognitive areas of the user:
  • Memory: ability to recall information
  • Visuospatial: ability to visualize yourself and your surroundings
  • Executive function: ability to concentrate and problem solve
• Two brain performance metrics:
  • Reaction time: time it takes to mentally process a task or situation
  • Processing speed: time it takes to react physically to a situation

There are five exercises within the assessment.  There will be 6 separately scored exercises: motor skills, visual acuity, word perception, shape perception, word memory, shape memory. 

Exercise 1: Motor Skills & Visual Acuity

• Attempt to keep the green wedge over the moving white dots (motor skills); the white dots will become fainter and the user will need to continue to track them as they fade (visual acuity)
• As the test goes on, the tester will need to spin the wheel faster and more times in order to meet the green box with the moving/fading dots.

Exercise 2: Word Perception

• A common three letter word in the English language will be displayed among non-words symbols and users must select the real word

Exercise 3: Shape Perception

• Select the abnormal shape that is different from the other shapes displayed
• Non-standard shapes are used

Exercise 4: Word Memory

• One word will be placed in the center of the screen followed by other words; the user must select the word that appeared FIRST in the sequence
• Most common 3-letter words in the English language will be used

Exercise 5: Shape Memory

• One shape will be placed in the center of the screen followed by other shapes; the user must select the shape that appeared FIRST in the sequence
• These are abnormal shapes
• The challenge is to remember shapes that are unique

Cognivue Thrive was created for individuals (adults, older adults, and even children) who are concerned about their memory, performance, and/or are interested in learning about their overall cognitive abilities. 

It is recommended for each individual to establish a baseline score, then to have ongoing annual assessment.  If at least one of the five Brain Health Score values is in the yellow zone, we will make recommendations for lifestyle changes and brain supplements, then reassess in 3-4 months.  Evaluating how each of the five Brain Health Scores change overtime will enable users to identify improvements and/or early detection of any decline in cognitive ability.  This information may need to be shared with the user’s physician for further evaluation, and assistance in determining causes of the cognitive decline and developing treatment plans. 

Each assessment costs $39. The program includes a paper and computerized copy of your assessment results, a Cogniwell action plan, and personalized recommendations by a Cognivue Specialist all during the same appointment.

It is not covered by insurance; however, Cognivue Thrive is FSA and HSA eligible.