Simple Test Detects Alzheimers

Gregory A. Jicha, MD, PhD Neurology What the news means for you NeuroscieNcesJanuary 17, 2010 Fast, simple test detects early Alzheimer’s disease detected by the mini-mental state examination,” concluded the researchers. “The TYM can be... More

Gregory A. Jicha, MD, PhD Neurology What the news means for you NeuroscieNcesJanuary 17, 2010 Fast, simple test detects early Alzheimer’s disease detected by the mini-mental state examination,” concluded the researchers. “The TYM can be completed quickly and accurately by normal controls. It is a powerful and valid screening test for the detection of Alzhiemer’s disease. ” Control participants completed the test within an average of five minutes with minimal supervision from a receptionist or nurse. For ages 18 to 70, the average score was 47 out of 50, with a small decline for older patients. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, the average score was 33 out of 50. A score of 42 or lower detected 93 percent of the cases of mild Alzheimer’s disease; a score of 44 or lower detected 96 percent of patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. The TYM also tested a wide range of cognitive functions and it was sensitive to the signs of mild Alzheimer’s, thus Less