Breakthrough test pinpoints severity of dementia risk

By Fiachra O Cionnaith

Thursday, May 31, 2012

People who are concerned that their memory loss is the first sign of dementia could be set to benefit from a breakthrough screening test.

A major conference in Cork next week will hear of the potential development, which could be available to Irish people over the coming months.

Currently, anyone who believes their memory loss may be the first sign of dementia a condition which affects mental functions such as memory, language, attention, and problem-solving can undergo a test to determine if they are at risk.

However, the mini-mental state exam which was developed in the 1970s and is considered a key tool in identifying the condition cannot clarify whether a person has a small risk of dementia or is in far greater danger of developing dementia.

Prof Willie Molloy and Dr Rnn Caoimh of University College Cork and the nearby St Finbarrs Hospital have developed a new test which can differentiate between ranges of dementia.

By using their mild cognitive impairment (QMCI) test, they believe patients can be told whether they must prepare for the full rigours of the condition or if it will have practically no affect on their lives.

"People with mild cognitive impairment have variable, subtle changes to their memory, but this can be hard to detect," said Prof Molloy.

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Breakthrough test pinpoints severity of dementia risk