Public HealthNew Tool Could Help Predict Dementia In Older People
Scientists have developed a new "risk index" that helps predict which individuals over the age of 65 may go on to develop dementia.
The index is made up of a number of tests of different characteristics, which are put together to predict an older person"s risk of developing dementia.
"This new risk index is a very useful tool that could help boost dementia research into treatments and prevention. However, it is very unlikely to be routinely available to older people in the UK because some of the tests are very expensive to carry out.
One million people will develop dementia in the next ten years. Scientists investigating ways to prevent this devastating condition could use this tool to select people who are at a high risk. This would produce stronger results, reduce the number of participants needed in clinical trials and reduce the cost of research.
Dementia research is drastically underfunded in the UK. We must start investing in research to improve care today and find a cure for tomorrow."
Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer"s Society
Full Reference
D.E. Barnes, PhD,MPH, Predicting risk of dementia in older adults, May 13, 2009, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Alzheimer"s Society