 |
|
New test could help diagnose early dementia
June 10, 2009Research: Self administered cognitive screening test for detection of Alzheimer's disease: Cross sectional study, BMJ online
A new cognitive test for detecting Alzheimer's disease is quicker and more accurate than many current tests, and could help diagnose early dementia, concludes a study published on bmj.com today.
An estimated 24 million people throughout the world have dementia and the number affected will double every 20 years. Early diagnosis is crucial to effective treatment, but there is no available short cognitive test that is quick to use, examines various skills, and is sensitive to Alzheimer's disease.
So researchers at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge designed and evaluated a new cognitive test, the TYM ("test your memory"), in the detection of Alzheimer's disease.
The TYM is a series of 10 tasks including ability to copy a sentence, semantic knowledge, calculation, verbal fluency and recall ability. The ability to do the test is also scored. Each task carries a score with a maximum score of 50 points available. The test is designed to use minimal operator time and to be suitable for non-specialist use.
The test was completed by 540 healthy individuals (controls) aged 18 to 95 years of age with no history of neurological disease, memory problems or brain injury. A further 139 patients with diagnosed Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment were also tested.
The test was compared with two commonly used bedside cognitive tests - the mini-mental state examination and the Addenbrooke's cognitive examination.
The mini-mental state examination has been the standard short cognitive test for 30 years and is the main test chosen by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for deciding which patients should receive drugs and for monitoring their response to treatment.
Controls completed the test in an average time of five minutes and gained an average score of 47 out of 50. Patients with Alzheimer's disease performed much poorer than controls with an average score of 33 out of 50. Patients with mild cognitive impairment scored an average of 45 out of 50.
The average TYM score remained constant between the ages of 18 and 70 years, with a small decline in performance after this age. Scores did not differ between men and women or by geographical background, suggesting that education and social class would have only mild effects on the TYM score.
The TYM detected 93% of patients with Alzheimer's disease, while the mini-mental state examination detected only 52% of patients, suggesting that the TYM test is a much more sensitive tool for detecting mild Alzheimer's disease. Compared to the mini-mental state examination, the TYM also takes less time to administer and tests a wider range of cognitive domains.
The Addenbrooke's cognitive examination tests a similar number of cognitive domains to the TYM and is sensitive to mild Alzheimer's disease, but it takes 20 minutes to administer and score.
The TYM is a powerful and valid screening test for the detection of Alzheimer's disease, conclude the authors.
The usefulness of screening tests varies according to the clinical setting, says consultant physician Claire Nicholl in an accompanying editorial.
If the test your memory test is to be adopted more widely it must be validated in a range of settings and different populations, she writes. Until then, the most important message is that clinicians should identify a test that suits their clinical setting, and develop experience in its use to improve the identification of patients with early dementia.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
So researchers at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge designed and evaluated a new cognitive test, the TYM ("test your memory"), in the detection of Alzheimer's disease.
The TYM is a series of 10 tasks including ability to copy a sentence, semantic knowledge, calculation, verbal fluency and recall ability. The ability to do the test is also scored. Each task carries a score with a maximum score of 50 points available. The test is designed to use minimal operator time and to be suitable for non-specialist use.
The test was completed by 540 healthy individuals (controls) aged 18 to 95 years of age with no history of neurological disease, memory problems or brain injury. A further 139 patients with diagnosed Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment were also tested.
The test was compared with two commonly used bedside cognitive tests - the mini-mental state examination and the Addenbrooke's cognitive examination.
The mini-mental state examination has been the standard short cognitive test for 30 years and is the main test chosen by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for deciding which patients should receive drugs and for monitoring their response to treatment.
Controls completed the test in an average time of five minutes and gained an average score of 47 out of 50. Patients with Alzheimer's disease performed much poorer than controls with an average score of 33 out of 50. Patients with mild cognitive impairment scored an average of 45 out of 50.
The average TYM score remained constant between the ages of 18 and 70 years, with a small decline in performance after this age. Scores did not differ between men and women or by geographical background, suggesting that education and social class would have only mild effects on the TYM score.
The TYM detected 93% of patients with Alzheimer's disease, while the mini-mental state examination detected only 52% of patients, suggesting that the TYM test is a much more sensitive tool for detecting mild Alzheimer's disease. Compared to the mini-mental state examination, the TYM also takes less time to administer and tests a wider range of cognitive domains.
The Addenbrooke's cognitive examination tests a similar number of cognitive domains to the TYM and is sensitive to mild Alzheimer's disease, but it takes 20 minutes to administer and score.
The TYM is a powerful and valid screening test for the detection of Alzheimer's disease, conclude the authors.
The usefulness of screening tests varies according to the clinical setting, says consultant physician Claire Nicholl in an accompanying editorial.
If the test your memory test is to be adopted more widely it must be validated in a range of settings and different populations, she writes. Until then, the most important message is that clinicians should identify a test that suits their clinical setting, and develop experience in its use to improve the identification of patients with early dementia.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Dementia Current Events and Dementia News RSSBlood test identifies women at risk from Alzheimer's
Middle-aged women with high levels of a specific amino acid in their blood are twice as likely to suffer from Alzheimer's many years later, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Estrogen therapy likely must be given soon after menopause to provide stroke protection
For estrogen replacement to provide stroke protection, it likely must be given soon after levels drop because of menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, scientists report in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Biofield therapies: helpful or full of hype?
Biofield therapies, which claim to use subtle energy to stimulate the body's healing process, are promising complementary interventions for reducing the intensity of pain in a number of conditions, reducing anxiety for hospitalized patients and reducing agitated behaviors in dementia, over and above what standard treatments can achieve.
Benefit of memantine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease not proven
There is no scientific proof that patients with moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease benefit from drugs containing the agent memantine.
Member of NFL Hall of Fame diagnosed with degenerative brain disease
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) announced today that a recently deceased member of the NFL Hall of Fame suffered from the degenerative brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) when he died, becoming the 10th former NFL player diagnosed with the disease.
Statins show dramatic drug and cell dependent effects in the brain
Besides their tremendous value in treating high cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease, statins have also been reported to potentially lower the risks of other diseases, such as dementia.
Older Patients with Dementia at Increased Risk for Flu Mortality
An epidemiological study on pneumonia and influenza (P&I) in adults age 65 and over reports that patients with dementia are diagnosed with flu less frequently, have shorter hospital stays, and have a fifty percent higher rate of death than those without dementia.
Barrett's esophagus patients have same survival rates as general population
New Mayo Clinic research has found that survival rates of patients with Barrett's esophagus, which can be a precursor for esophageal cancer, are no different than the survival rates for the general population.
Trembling hands and molecular handshakes
Fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a recently recognized condition, which is actually one of the most prevalent heritable neurodegenerative diseases.
First former college football player diagnosed with CTE
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) announced today that a deceased former college football player who died at age 42 was already suffering from the degenerative brain disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
More Dementia Current Events and Dementia News Articles
 |
When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple Guide for Caregivers by Joy A. Glenner (Author), Jean M. Stehman (Author), Judith Davagnino (Author), Margaret J. Galante (Author), Martha L. Green (Author) Eighty percent of persons with dementia live at home, and the family members caring for them are often overwhelmed by the enormous responsibility and the complexities of care. This book is designed to support the caregivers and help them understand the needs and feelings of the person for whom they are caring. A central focus is the goal of sustaining a loving family relationship between the caregiver and the patient. Developed from a training program for professionals and family caregivers, this book teaches the basics of dementia care while emphasizing communication, understanding and acceptance, and personal growth through the caregiving experience. The result is a guide that integrates the practicalities of caregiving with the human emotions that accompany it. |
 |
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, 4th Edition by Nancy L. Mace (Author), Peter V. Rabins (Author) Revised in 2006 for its twenty-fifth anniversary, this best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease, offering comfort and support to millions worldwide. In addition to the practical and compassionate guidance that have made The 36-Hour Day invaluable to caregivers, the fourth edition is the only edition currently available that includes new information on medical research and the delivery of care. The new edition includes: -new information on diagnostic evaluation-resources for families and adult children who care for people with dementia-updated legal and financial information-the latest information on nursing homes and other communal living arrangements-new information on research, medications, and the biological causes and... |
 |
Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia by James R. Dowling (Author) Although very little can be done to alter the course of dementia, much can be done to maximize the quality of life of people with the condition. Research as well as practical experience suggest that behavior management, especially through programs that provide meaningful and constructive activity, is currently the most effective treatment. In Keeping Busy, James Dowling describes a variety of activities designed to bring meaning and enjoyment to the lives of persons with dementia. The activities are organized by general categories such as music, exercise, horticulture, pets, humor, and social events. The largest section deals with communication and includes word games that help people strengthen their remaining verbal skills. The description of each activity includes step-by-step... |
 |
The Art of Dementia Care by Daniel Kuhn (Author), Jane Verity (Author) The Art of Dementia Care is a practical guide intended for all who provide support, encouragement and care for people with dementia. Using a relationship model of care, you will learn how you can make a positive difference in the lives of those with dementia. Discussion and examples will challenge you to reflect on your attitude and behavior towards people with dementia and teach you to provide thoughtful care to each person in your care. The authors draw upon examples from common clinical situations to highlight how to practice the art of dementia care through the recognition of the limits of people with dementia and the promotion of their strengths and abilities. Ultimately, the quality of the care you provide can greatly affect the quality of life the person with dementia will... |
 |
Dementia/Daughter of Horror Starring: Adrienne Barrett, Angelo Rossitto, Lucille Howland, Gayne Sullivan, Ben Roseman Directed By: John Parker Studio: Kino International Release Date: 10/10/2000 Run time: 55 minutes Rating: Nr |
 |
What If It's Not Alzheimer's?: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia (Updated & Revised) by Lisa Radin (Editor), Gary Radin (Editor), John Q., M.D. Trojanowski (Editor) Includes Vital Information on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Foreword by John Q. Trojanowski, MD, PhD, Director, Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Pennsylvania Hospital Although the public most often associates dementia with Alzheimer's disease, the medical profession now distinguishes various types of "other" dementias. This book is the first comprehensive guide dealing with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), one of the largest groups of non-Alzheimer's dementias. The contributors are either specialists in their fields or have exceptional hands-on experience with FTD sufferers. Beginning with a focus on the medical facts, the first part defines and explores FTD as an illness distinct from Alzheimer's disease. Also considered are clinical and medical care issues... |
 |
A Pocket Guide to Dementia and Associated Behavioral Symptoms: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Managment by Insight Therapeutics LLC (Author), H. Edward Davidson (Editor), Stefan Gravenstein (Editor), Lisa Han (Editor) This guide is an easy-to-use, practical resource for health care professionals managing patients with dementia. This guide was written by a team of professionals to help individuals understand the different types of dementia and to determine an appropriate treatment plan for patients with newly diagnosed dementia or ongoing behavioral and cognitive symptoms of dementia. |
 |
Coping With Dementia: What Every Caregiver Needs To Know by Rosemary De Cuir (Author) Once a person has clearly demonstrated that he is incapable of functioning independently in the home, it is time for the family to mobilize and work to help lessen the chances of accident, injury, or even death. It is equally important to begin to rebuild and establish a comfortable and meaningful life for your loved one. The prevailing view in today's society directly equates one worth with what he can produce. This is similar to the nature of the sales industry - it doesn't matter how stellar past performances were - only today's results count. Victims of dementia have no hope but to rely upon us to see them as whole persons and accept them as they are now. These are people who each have a story, a history, and a life that still has value, and it is up to us to honor their life... |
 |
American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: The App Textbook of Geriatric Psychiatry Diagnostic Issues in Dementia by Myron F. Weiner (Editor), Anne M. Lipton (Editor) The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias is an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of dementia for practicing psychiatrists or residents who deal with cognitively impaired adults in outpatient, inpatient, and long-term care settings. With content ranging from clinical guidance to basic research, it contains information on nearly every subject related to dementing conditions or illnesses not only providing extensive coverage of clinical management issues but also enabling a deeper understanding of the causes of dementia. Designed to assist the practitioner faced with everyday dilemmas, from dosages of antipsychotic drugs to legal and ethical issues, the text describes in detail the most common conditions and diseases leading to dementia and... |
 |
Nurturing Nuggets For Dementia Caregivers: 25 Supportive Strategies In Caring For Persons With Dementia by Susan E. Lanza (Author), Peri Poloni Gabriel (Illustrator) This beautiful gift book offers thanks, comfort and reassurance to dementia caregivers in the form of Nurturing Nuggets or "word bites for the heart". A perfect choice for unpaid and professional caregivers. To all the caregivers of persons with dementia, we thank you! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |