Even though dementia affects 24 million people around the world, diagnosing the disease in its early stages has been a complex process. But now a short, easy-to-use cognitive test has been developed, which can even identify Alzheimer’s. The “test your memory” questionnaire scores participants on their ability to complete a series of 10 tasks such as calculation, verbal fluency and recall. Compared to the two tests that have historically been used—the Addenbrooke cognitive exam and the mini-mental state exam—TYM is better. In a study, it detected 93 per cent of patients with Alzheimer’s, compared to 52 per cent detection using the mini-mental state exam. And it took less time to administer than the Addenbrooke.
General
Detecting dementia just got easier
A new short test is faster and better at diagnosing the disease than other exams
