Scientists examine 'better ways to predict dementia'

Healthcare News
20/08/2008
Researchers say a variety of tests may offer a more complete picture.

A new US study has looked into how dementia in older age can be more effectively predicted.

The future development of dementia may be more accurately predicted if a variety of neurophysical tests are carried out on an individual, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Researchers said that such tests may be more effective if they account for inconsistency in preformance in individuals when they are assessed.

Dr Roee Holtzer, lead author of the study and assistant professor of neurology and psychology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, commented: "This study showed for the first time that the degree of variability in performance across neuropsychological tests, measured within a person, improved the prediction of dementia above and beyond one's level of performance on each test alone."

Meanwhile, the Herald has reported that the chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society is concerned the government may not fully deliver on its proposals for transforming dementia care in the UK.

According to the newspaper, Neil Hunt said that rapid change is needed in the way dementia is diagnosed and treated, yet he is worried that the current economic climate may not be conducive to radical government action on the issue.

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