The short Detect test for Alzheimer's

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Alzheimer’s disease affects more than five million Americans and there’s not much you can do to reverse the damage, but there are medications that can help slow its progression. That’s why it’s critical to catch it early. There’s a new device that may soon be able to do just that.

Jerri Gibson, a study participant said, considers herself 80 years young and doesn’t let much bother her. She said, “I don’t worry about the future…whatever happens, happens.” But as we age, we can be forgetful. For some, memory loss is the first sign of Alzheimer’s. So, this go-getter was happy to take part in a study to test her memory. Doctor David Wright, a researcher said, “The patients that are going to end up with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia fall off of that curve much quicker.”

The current test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s is given with paper and pen and requires a trained technician. This new device, called detect, could simplify the process. With detect, the person being tested just puts on this headset and follows the audio and visual cues on a computer. Doctor Wright said, “The Detect test is a really very short, rapid assessment of neuro… of cognitive impairment.” In a pilot study, participants were tested both ways. Then, the results were compared. Doctor Wright said, “It was astonishing how well our device did, the performance of it compared to the pen and paper.”

And the ease of the detect test means it may be used more often—helping reach more people who may be at risk. With Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis is key. Doctor Wright said, “Because currently for Alzheimer’s disease, there’s not a cure. However there are a number of drugs on the market that delay symptom onset.” Jerri says it’s ok if she forgets little things now and then. She’s just thankful she was able to help advance science.

The detect device is being developed by Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. It is also being tested for detecting mild concussions in football or injuries on the battlefield. Researchers are also looking into whether the device might help one day detect things like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. http://www.kalb.com

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