New Alzheimer's test offers better opportunities for early detection

March, 2010

A computerized self test (CST) has been developed that is 96% accurate in diagnosing Alzheimer’s and MCI (compared to 71% for the MMSE and 69% for the Mini-Cognitive — tests currently in use).

A computerized self test (CST) has been developed that is 96% accurate in diagnosing Alzheimer’s and MCI-A (compared to 71% for the MMSE and 69% for the Mini-Cognitive — tests currently in use). Moreover, the test accurately classified 91% of the six experimental groups (control, MCI, early Alzheimer's, mild to moderate, moderate to severe, and severe) as compared to 54% for the MMSE and 48% for the Mini-Cog. The brief, interactive online test is designed to be used in the primary care setting, where physicians may not have detailed training in recognizing cognitive impairments.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-03/uota-nat031110.php

Reference:

Dougherty, J.H. Jr. et al. 2010. The Computerized Self Test (CST): An Interactive, Internet Accessible Cognitive Screening Test For Dementia. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 20 (1), 185-195.
The journal article is available at http://iospress.metapress.com/content/a1242x878323454x/fulltext.pdf

seniors

cognitive tests

Alzheimers

Related News

Simple semantic task reveals early cognitive problems in older adults

A small study shows how those on the road to Alzheimer’s show early semantic problems long before memory problems arise, and that such problems can affect daily life.

Feeling lonely linked to increased dementia risk

There's quite a bit of evidence now that socializing — having frequent contact with others — helps protect against cognitive impairment in old age. We also know that depression is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Social isolation decreases myelin

Problems with myelin — demyelination (seen most dramatically in MS, but also in other forms of neurodegeneration, including normal

Dopamine decline underlies episodic memory decline in old age

The

Timing of hormone therapy critical for Alzheimer's risk

It’s been unclear whether hormone therapy helps older women reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s or in fact increases the risk.

Diet affects your chance of cognitive impairment in old age

In a large Mayo Clinic study, self-reported diet was found to be significantly associated with the risk of seniors developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia over a four-year period.

Exercise may be best way to protect against brain shrinkage

A study using data from the Lothian Birth Cohort (people born in Scotland in 1936) has analyzed brain scans of 638 participants when they were 73 years old.

Caffeine may block inflammation linked to cognitive impairment

Caffeine has been associated with a lower of developing Alzheimer's disease in some recent studies.

How green tea helps fight cognitive decline & dementia

Green tea is thought to have wide-ranging health benefits, especially in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and diabetes.

Are sleep problems a key factor in Alzheimer’s?

I reported a few months ago on some evidence of a link between disturbed sleep and the development of Alzheimer’s. Now a mouse study adds to this evidence.

Pages