24 Feb Cognitive Function Test Helps Predict Future Memory Loss

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Rebecca E. Amariglio Ph.D.
Massachusetts Alzheimers Disease Research Center
Massachusetts General Hospital

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Amariglio: As the field of Alzheimer’s disease moves towards early detection and treatment, new tests that can measure very subtle changes in cognitive functioning are needed. A new instrument developed by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study that measures subjective report of memory changes of both the study participant and a study partner (usually a family member) was associated with cognitive decline over four years.  Specifically, greater report of memory concerns was associated with worse memory performance over time.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Amariglio: A new test that is easy to administer is able to capture subtle changes in cognitive functioning that may indicate someone is at risk for developing memory impairment.  This instrument will be useful in new drug trials that are treating people with early Alzheimer’s disease before they even show symptoms that a doctor can measure.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Amariglio: The Cognitive Function Instrument may help to demonstrate that new drugs are able to prevent Alzheimer’s disease when cognitive changes are very subtle and hard to detect otherwise.

Citation:

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:, & Dr. Rebecca E. Amariglio Ph.D. (2015). Cognitive Function Test Helps Predict Future Memory Loss MedicalResearch.com

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Last Updated on February 24, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD