Tests can predict dementia precursor
Published 3 November 2009
Learning and memory tests can help predict whether a healthy person will develop Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) according to a report published today (3 November 09) in Neurology.
People who have MCI are at an increased risk of going on to develop dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment
'Dementia develops in the brain many years before people start to notice there is something wrong. The ability to spot the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment early could help doctors diagnose dementia sooner and enable people to access appropriate drugs and support.
'More funding is now needed to support further research in this area so we can develop treatments which target dementia early. One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years yet dementia research is drastically underfunded. We must act now.'
Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Ends
Ref: Oulhaj, PhD, Wilcock, DM et al. Predicting the time of conversion to MCI in the elderly. Neurology. Volume 73, Issue 18, Nov 2009.
'Predicting the time of conversion to MCI in the elderly' Oulhaj et al., University of Oxford.
Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
