A new 10-minute test doctors can perform with, for example an iPad, is to be tested by GPs in the United Kingdom. It is a new CE approved Class II medical device. GPs will be able to test patients at their offices, rather than having to refer them to specialists. Experts say this could considerably increase diagnostic rates.
It is estimated that of the 750,000 individuals in Britain with dementia, only about 40% receive any kind of treatment or help – simply because so many have not been diagnosed. Identifying dementia, and especially Alzheimer’s is not easy.
According to Cambridge Cognition, the creators of CANTAB Mobile:
“With CANTAB® Mobile, healthcare professionals can now carry out a simple, objective and accurate cognitive assessment in around 10 minutes. The automated scoring for the test works by comparing the patient’s test results with those of thousands of other people who have performed the test.
This test can detect the earliest signs of dementia before the damage is done, so that more effective interventions can be made to prolong the patient’s independence.”
The visual memory test concentrates on the patient’s ability to recognize places and patterns. Users have to remember position symbols that appear on the screen – during the test, tasks become progressively more difficult.
Cambridge Cognition says the device can detect the signs of MCI (mild cognitive impairment) as well as the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to trials, the test is 95% accurate. Experts say it is superior to the standard MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) dementia test. MMSE only focuses on a part of the brain that deteriorates in much later stages of the disease.
The company says GPs will be able to use the test on an iPad or similar mobile touch screen devices.
The touch screen test will be trialled by a UK GP Commissioning Board. The aim is to make it available to individuals over 50 years of age who either self-refer to their GP, or are advised to do so by a carer who suspects MCI or Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Anne Corbett, Research Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society, UK, said:
“A shocking 60 per cent of people with dementia never receive a diagnosis. This means hundreds of thousands of people do not have access to vital help, support and treatments that could help them live a good quality life and plan for the future. Finding ways of improving the early identification of the condition is therefore essential.
This tool could help change this appalling picture. However, it is too early to tell if it will prove to be a useable, effective and accurate tool for GPs. We must now wait for the results of the trials to see if it could fit into the wider diagnostic process.”
Cambridge Cognition says GPs can sign in here if they wish to register for the Beta program.
Written by Christian Nordqvist