Dementia Early Detection Device

Mild Cognitive Impairment or MCI, is often noted as an early stage of dementia.  Early detection and diagnosis of MCI or dementia is needed to increase quality of life.

The Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University have devised an easy test that can be administered yearly to check for reaction time and memory functions.  The researchers named the test "DETECT".

The DETECT test is easier to use than traditional pen and paper tests because DETECT takes only 10 minutes to administer and uses a LCD display keyboard and noise reduction headphones.  The actual test consists of visual and auditory stimuli such as pictures that enables the tester to note reaction time and changes in memory.  Since the information is logged into a computer, changes in these areas can easily be seen in yearly visits to a physician.

This device may be available for commercial use as early as the end of 2008.  There is excitement about the DETECT test since the current method for getting a tentative diagnosis of MCI or dementia often comes after an event such as unsafe behavior.

Initial clinical studies of the DETECT device at Emory University has shown positive results with the DETECT test have similar accuracy to the standard pen & paper tests.  More to come on this as it develops.

Comments

[Kay Brewer]

My Dad was diagnosed with glacoma just before he was diagnosed with dementia. The written test added humiliation for him.
I am thankful that a better way to diagnose dementia is in the near future.
Thank You
Kay

[Sue]

Kay: I never thought of that but so many people with dementia may have other medical situations which can make traditional pencil and paper testing so hard. Sorry your dad had to endure that upseting test.

Thanks for your insight and for sharing!

Sue