Testing the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer's

There has been a struggle to know the difference between normal, age-related memory loss and something that is more significant, like amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) which can progress to Alzheimer’s disease. The identification of people with aMCI could aid in early intervention and treatment which may delay the progression of a number of neurological diseases. New research shows that specific questions may be incorporated into a questionnaire designed to help diagnose Alzheimer’s. There may be a way to tell early on the difference between normal memory loss and that of aMCI.

Many people know the frustration, either first hand or through their everyday dealings with family members, of the effect of compromised memory. It can cause difficulty with the immediate needs or long term planning. Many of these frustrations are a normal part of aging. A pilot study has been developed that indicates a simple, short questionnaire designed to identify people with Azheimer’s can be used to identify people with aMCI earlier on in the impairment.

The questionnaire, referred to as the AQ, has four questions in particular which apply to aMCI. “People with aMCI were more often reported as repeating questions and statements, having trouble knowing he date or time, having difficulties managing their finances and a decreased sense of direction,” explained psychometrist Michael Malek-Ahmadi, leader of the study. “While AQ cannot be used as a definitive guide to diagnosing AD or aMCI, it is a quick and simple-to-use indicator that may help physicians determine which individuals should be referred for more extensive testing.”

Source: MedicalNewsToday, BMC Geriatrics