Memory Tests As Diagnostic Criteria

October 8, 2007

As we have seen, many episodic and semantic memory tasks distinguish dementia problems from minor memory problems associated with normal aging. Many of these kinds of items are part of existing diagnostic tests, such as the “Mini-Mental State” exam, developed by Marshal Folstein and others at Johns Hopkins University. Many researchers are working to develop language, memory, and other behavioral tests that more accurately discriminate Alzheimer’s disease from other dementias. For example, Eileen Grist and Jane Maxim at Frenchay Hospital in England have developed the Build-up Picture Test for differentiating dementia from normal aging.A reality monitoring test may be a useful addition to our current battery of assessment tools, as this test may tap memory problems that can lead to potentially life-threatening situations, such as forgetting to turn the stove off. Families with Alzheimer patients living at home should be attentive to situations that involve reality monitoring, such as locking doors, leaving appliances on, taking medications, and writing checks. Signs (e.g., Is the stove off? by the front door) and other external reminders (e.g., one box labeled for medicine not yet taken, another for medicine already taken) may be helpful.

Since many of the current medical tests are so expensive and are primarily useful only for exclusionary purposes, it behooves researchers to continue searching for simple behavioral tests that can help to positively identify dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Some of the priming memory tasks may prove to be useful for assessing what an individual’s level of functioning was prior to the onset of the disease. Additionally, the combination of behavioral and the latest “high-tech” brain tests (e.g., PET, MRI, cerebral blood flow, and event-related potentials) may provide greater accuracy in diagnosis. Although there is no cure available at this time, early identification is a worthwhile endeavor, given its success in dealing with other diseases and the possibility of some kind of treatment.

Posted in Alzhemier Disease