Self-administered test for Alzheimer's disease trialled
19 June 2009
TYM shows promise in the early screening of Alzheimer's disease and could be further used to monitor the progression of dementia and assess the effectiveness of anti-dementia drug treatments. 
Graham Stokes, Head of Mental Health, Bupa Care Services
A new self-administered questionnaire could be used to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease, a group of researchers claim this week.
The 'test your memory' (TYM) questionnaire may be as accurate as current screening tests for dementia, but short enough for patients to fill out themselves without a health professional.
"Many cognitive tests are available but none meets the three critical requirements for widespread use by a non-specialist - that is, take minimal operator time to administer, test a reasonable range of cognitive functions, and are sensitive to mild Alzheimer's disease," explains lead author Dr Jeremy Brown in the BMJ.
"We designed the TYM to fulfil these requirements," he adds.
The team, from Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, evaluated the test in 540 healthy volunteers and 139 patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
They compared the results with two standard tests that they currently use to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers found that healthy volunteers scored an average of 47 out of 50 in TYM. However, patients with Alzheimer's only scored 33. The doctors found that the test correlated well with standard tests.
"The TYM can be completed quickly and accurately by normal controls," concludes Dr Brown.
He adds: "It is a powerful and valid screening test for the detection of Alzheimer's disease."
Graham Stokes, Head of Mental Health, Bupa Care Services explains: "The evidence available indicates that early diagnosis improves the quality of life of people living with dementia, as well as having positive effects on the quality of life of caring families."
"TYM shows promise in the early screening of Alzheimer's disease and could be further used to monitor the progression of dementia and assess the effectiveness of anti-dementia drug treatments."
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