Do it yourself Dementia screening test

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A new, simple test can discover whether someone is affected by dementia.

It's a test that takes only a few minutes, and you can do it yourself.

Most clinical tests of mental ability take a long time to administer and evaluate, but a British group has developed a brief screening test that most people can take by themselves.

Doctor Ralph Benedict of the Jacobs Neurological Institute said, "The idea of having patients do something that does not require a lot of clinician involvement as an initial evaluation of their abilities is a great idea."

They tried the test on 139 patients who had Alzheimer's or other dementias, and 540 people who weren't demented.

The test was more accurate than standard, longer methods.

Dr. Benedict is a neuropsychologist.

He devised a simple test to assess cognitive function in ms patients, and he emphasizes that identifying problems early leads to early, effective treatment, "There's good evidence that these medications are helpful to patients. It doesn't cure one of Alzheimer's Disease, but it can sure affect the course of the illness."

The test has ten short segments. You're asked to copy and remember a sentence, and to list four animals whose names begin with "S."

Can you do that?

It is a British test, so they asked for the prime minister's name. We can change that for Americans. You're also asked to identify parts of a man's outfit, to form a letter by connecting circles, to draw a clock, and finally, to remember that sentence; all in a few minutes.

Dr. Benedict said, "So I thought it was nicely done. You know, I think it'll go somewhere. There's certainly a need for it."

Should everyone take the test?

Doctor Peter Ostrow said, "Well, it's not intended for people who just forgot an appointment or misplaced their car keys. It's value is in identifying serious problems. It's on our website, so if you want to take a look, go ahead. It's really intended to be given in an office setting, where a secretary or nurse can assist you if you need it and then count your score. Most people will sail through it, but if someone has difficulty, then a more thorough exam would be a good idea."

Memory Test

Scoring