Alzheimer's Test Shows Who Is at Risk: Take the Quiz Now
The 21-question test distinguishes between normal forgetfulness and the more worrying memory lapses that could signal the early stages of dementia. Doctors who have developed the test say it is almost 90 per cent accuate. Designed to be answered by a spouse or close friend it measures mild cognitive impairment – the slight memory lapses that can be a precursor of the disease. It is thought that around 15 per cent of people who are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment go on to develop Alzheimer's within a year.
It was devised by Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Arizona, which specialises in the disease. The 21 questions are answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. A 'yes' is given a score of one or two and a 'no' always scores zero, giving a maximum possible score of 27. Someone who scores under five is advised that there is no cause for concern. A score of five to 14 suggests mild cognitive impairment – or memory lapses that could be the early stages. Any higher than this and the person may already have it. Writing in the journal BMC Geriatrics researcher Michael Malek-Ahmadi said: 'As the population ages, the need for a quick method of spotting the disease early will grow.' Read the rest of the article and take the quiz February 6, 2012 Copyright © 2012 Daily Telegraph
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