Australian Researchers Develop Tool to Predict Dementia Symptoms
Australian researchers have devised a first-of-its-kind tool that can accurately predict when a person will initially experience dementia symptoms based on their current age and interview responses.
The Florey Dementia Index
The Florey Dementia Index was designed using neuropsychological data from three long-term studies that tracked nearly 3,800 participants who went from healthy to being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers designing the index predicted when these adults would develop dementia symptoms based on data from their asymptomatic times, then compared the estimates to the actual ages of diagnosis.
Potential Impact
The tool relies on patient scores in the Clinical Dementia Rating, which assesses memory and judgment abilities, plus hobby engagement and other lifestyle factors, based on an interview with the patient and their caretaker. The researchers hope that the index will eventually give patients more time to make decisions about their care.
Limitations
The Florey Dementia Index is not available to healthcare professionals, nor has it been tested in clinical settings. Dr. Liron Sinvani, director of Northwell’s geriatric hospital services, wondered if people would want to know if they’re likely to develop dementia. Sinvani questioned the practicality of the tool, citing the time it takes to administer the assessment and the need for specialized training.
Dementia Facts
Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, which slowly erodes memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform basic tasks. There is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s, but certain medications can help temporarily alleviate or slow down some symptoms.
Conclusion
The Florey Dementia Index has the potential to give patients more time to make decisions about their care, but it is not yet available to healthcare professionals and has not been tested in clinical settings. Further research is needed to validate the tool and determine its practicality in routine clinical practice.
FAQs
Q: What is the Florey Dementia Index?
A: The Florey Dementia Index is a tool that predicts when a person will initially experience dementia symptoms based on their current age and interview responses.
Q: How does the tool work?
A: The tool relies on patient scores in the Clinical Dementia Rating, which assesses memory and judgment abilities, plus hobby engagement and other lifestyle factors, based on an interview with the patient and their caretaker.
Q: Is the tool available to healthcare professionals?
A: No, the Florey Dementia Index is not available to healthcare professionals, nor has it been tested in clinical settings.
Q: What are the limitations of the tool?
A: The tool has a margin of error of about 18 months for mild cognitive impairment and eight months for dementia. It also requires specialized training and can take 20 minutes or longer to administer.
