Navigating Uncertainty After an MCI Screening

This video focuses on effective communication with patients after a positive cognitive screening result. PA Klingler discusses the emotional impact of a potential diagnosis and offers strategies to guide patients through uncertainty—such as normalizing their reactions, arranging timely follow-up appointments, and connecting them with resources that support brain health and future planning.

Key Takeaways:

Be prepared for a wide range of reactions to a positive screening result.
Provide information clearly and succinctly to limit tension and anxiety.
Promote health-focused messages. What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.

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Speaker

Click on the photo below to learn more about the speaker.

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA

References and Additional Resources:

ACTonALZ. Communicating Results of Cognitive Assesmsent to Patients and Providers. Act on Alzheimer’s; 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlP7MT2kG9s

Detecting Alzheimer’s disease: Older adults’ experiences with cognitive screening & blood biomarker testing. National Poll on Healthy Aging. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/detecting-alzheimers-disease-older-adults-experiences-cognitive-screening-blood

What is mild cognitive impairment? Alzheimers.gov. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://www.alzheimers.gov/alzheimers-dementias/mild-cognitive-impairment

Supported by

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA, is a family medicine/urgent care PA at the Salmon River Clinic in Stanley, Idaho where she has worked for the past 19 years. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Pacific University in 2003. She received the Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants’ award for Physician Assistant of the Year in 2012 and was profiled by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants for contributions in rural medicine in May 2017. Amy believes that working in family medicine allows her to integrate the physical, mental, and social well-being of her patients which allows her to foster strong PA-patient relationships.