When it comes to brain problems that could indicate early signs of dementia, doctors are often not diagnosing women as early as men. This is typically because of how women perform on memory tests, according to one study. If you’re a New Jersey resident with a loved one suffering from dementia, learning about medical malpractice may help protect your family member.
Gender outcomes for memory tests
Generally, women perform better than men on verbal memory tests, according to a study published in Neurology. When the tests are used to assess and diagnose cognitive impairment, women are often undiagnosed or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s too late. Men, on the other hand, tend to be over-diagnosed or diagnosed prematurely. These instances could lead to medical malpractice claims.
What experts are saying
A researcher from the University of California San Diego states that if women are misdiagnosed as not having memory problems and cognitive skills, they won’t begin treatment, and their families won’t be able to plan ahead for medical care and legal arrangements. The researcher also states that men who are improperly diagnosed can be given unnecessary medication, which can cause undue stress and financial strain on families. These factors could be grounds for medical malpractice if families are able to prove that they tried to find proper treatment for a loved one and were not given the proper medications or therapy.
If your loved one is showing early signs of dementia and you believe they were improperly diagnosed, be sure to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer. You may learn whether your family could be entitled to a settlement.
