Quick, Simple Screening Tool For Alzheimer's Disease Developed By Texas Neuropsychologist

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 09 Apr 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Early detection and diagnosis can help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other memory problems. That's why Texas neuropsychologist Samuel Brinkman, Ph.D, developed the GrayMatters® Assessment System (http://www.dementiascreening.com) - to provide a quick, accurate, and affordable tool for identifying Alzheimer's disease and other memory problems. "In some cases, Alzheimer's-like symptoms might be caused by a physical illness or problem that can be treated and even reversed - if detected early," Brinkman said. "Effective screening leads to early detection and appropriate treatment."

GrayMatters® is a simple memory screening test that has been incorporated into an easy-to-use, touch screen computer system. No computer knowledge is needed to take the test. It can be taken during a doctor's office visit, with results available within minutes for the patient's physician to review. Because the test results are analyzed by the GrayMatters® system, routine memory screenings can even be provided by family physicians who have no specialized training in Alzheimer's or dementia diagnoses. If the test reveals symptoms of memory problems, patients can be referred to an expert for further testing and treatment.

Screening is recommended every one to two years for people in their 60s and annually for those ages 70 and older. For people who are at greater risk (with identifiable risk factors such as a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer's), annual screening should begin earlier.

The GrayMatters® Assessment System is designed for use in physician offices and healthcare clinic settings and requires minimal technological expertise for office personnel to set up and use. The system analyzes the test results, then sends a printable report back to the healthcare provider within minutes via a secure Internet connection. Patients require no technical or computer skills and interact easily with the system. The screening takes only about 30 minutes, as the unit cues the patient through each step of the assessment with easily understandable voice narration and visual cues. Patients respond to the instructions by touching the computer screen after each cue.

About Samuel D. Brinkman, Ph.D

Samuel D. Brinkman, Ph.D, is president of Dementia Screening, Inc., and lead developer of the GrayMatters® Assessment System. Dr. Brinkman is a neuropsychologist who has spent more than 30 years in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. He felt strongly that there was a need for a screening system that would be both accurate and cost effective in identifying the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. After more than eight years of research and development, Dr. Brinkman and a team of other professionals created The GrayMatters® Assessment System.

-- Dr. Brinkman is currently in private practice in Abilene, Texas, and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Abilene Christian University and Hardin-Simmons University. He served in Vietnam in U.S. Army Intelligence, received his bachelor's of science degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Houston.

-- Dr. Brinkman spent several years in the evaluation of medications developed for Alzheimer's disease. He maintains an active interest in Alzheimer's treatment and in head injury care, having chaired numerous boards and committees on both local and national levels.

About Dementia Screening, Inc.

Dementia Screening, Inc. is headquartered in Abilene, Texas. The focus of the organization is:

-- To provide and distribute a system for accurate, reliable and economical screening for the earliest symptoms of dementia.

-- To promote greater public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the importance of early identification of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

-- To contribute to the body of research knowledge that guides clinical care of persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

-- To adhere to the highest ethical standards in clinical services and business relationships.

Dementia Screening, Inc.
1150 Estates Drive, Suite A
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone 325-677-3172
Toll Free 1-866-GrayMatters or 1-866-472-9628
http://www.dementiascreening.com