Quick Alzheimer's test 'could be done at doctor's office'
Wednesday 7th September 2011
A new ten minute test for Alzheimer's disease could be easily carried out in a doctor's office using an iPad or touch screen computer, researchers have said.
The Cantab Pal test, developed at the University of Cambridge, is able to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment and general forgetfulness.
It asks participants to remember where on the screen a symbol appeared in a series of tests which get progressively harder.
Research has found the technique to be 95 per cent accurate at identifying the healthy people among those with neurodegenerative conditions.
In addition, it could assist in early diagnosis, detecting cognitive impairment in individuals up to 32 months before they were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
This follows research in journal Annals of Internal Medicine which found that cognitive impairment is linked to life expectancy, even in its early stages.
It was revealed that mild cognitive impairment has a "strong impact" as to how long a person will live, as well as the moderate and severe forms of the condition.
Written by James Puckle
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