Dementia researchers examine post-shelter cognitive impairment

For more than a year, Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) has been screening older clients for possible dementia or mild cognitive impairment. In February, researchers began looking at what happens when a person gets out of mass shelter and into a private space.

Heather Ross, an ASU Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation assistant professor, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss how the research has progressed.

CASS is a 600-bed shelter, the largest in Maricopa County. CASS partnered with Circle the City to create a memory clinic, screening unhoused seniors for signs of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Most patients screen positive for one of these conditions.