[August 25, 2014] |
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Computerized Cognition Test Provides Better Assessment than Observation
MELBOURNE, Australia --(Business Wire)--
Research published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease this
week suggests healthy older adults are less capable of observing their
own cognitive decline over an 18 month period than Cogstate's
computerized brief battery (CBB). The study, conducted by
neuropsychologists, also indicated that close family members were unable
to perceive decline in the cognitive behavior of their partner and trial
participant in social settings.
The findings suggest that early identification of Alzheimer's Disease
(AD) may be more accurate when based on objective assessment of
cognitive function rather than that reported by individuals or their
spouses.
It is widely accepted that earlier detection of cognitive abnormalities
in patients is crucial to the timely commencement of professional care
and enrolment in clinical trials. Family members can observe major
changes in cognitive function, but cannot accurately detect the smaller
changes of early AD.
"This is important because it shows that in the very early stages of
Alzheimer's disease, individuals or their spouses have no insight at all
into the progressively worsening cognitive function," said Dr. Paul
Maruff, Chief Science Officer at Cogstate Ltd (CGS.AX). "By the time
individuals meet clinical criteria for mild cognitive impairment, they
have progressed beyond AD in its earliest stages. Therefore, we should
be assessing cognitive function prospectively and objectively, as
opposed to merely asking these people about their memory."
Dr. Maruff led a team of researchers in the Australian Imaging,
Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study, which observed the ability of
tral participants to judge their own cognitive health. The 289 healthy
older adult participants had no current diagnosis of dementia.
Subjects were divided into two groups based on whether they exhibited
low or high amyloid-beta (Aß) protein fragment levels. The formation of
amyloid in the brain is known to signal the beginning of AD processes.
Just as we may not notice the early effects of cholesterol build-up in
our arteries, we may not notice small changes in our brain's performance
from Aß growth. To measure Aß levels, all subjects underwent a positron
emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging scan, a known accurate means of
detecting Aß.
Volunteers began by taking the Memory Complaint Questionnaire, which
asked them to assess their perceived memory decline in common everyday
scenarios. A close family member also completed a questionnaire asking
their opinion of the subject's cognitive performance. Both surveys were
repeated after 18 months, providing a subjective perspective on changes
in cognitive function.
In addition, at baseline and 18 months, the subjects completed the
Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB), a collection of computerized tasks that
test multiple cognitive skills. Since the CBB has been validated in many
previous studies as a sensitive measurement tool of cognitive
impairment, the test results in the current study provided a reliable,
objective snapshot of changes over time.
The subjective tests showed no changes over 18 months. However, over the
same period, the objective CBB revealed a moderate decline in cognitive
function for the high Aß group. The research team concluded that it is
very difficult for people to measure their own cognitive health and
detect subtle differences in their memory and that subtle declines in
cognitive function are best detected using a computerized assessment,
such as the CBB.
The researchers have called for scheduled, objective, computerized
cognitive tests as part of standard care. They note that in Canada,
primary care physicians are already using a version of the CBB,
Cognigram, to objectively assess the cognitive function of patients.
About Cogstate
Cogstate Ltd (ASX:CGS) is a multi-faceted cognitive assessment company,
focused on the development and commercialisation of rapid, computerised
tests of cognition (brain function). Cogstate commercializes its
technology in three areas:
Clinical Trials: In the clinical drug trial market, Cogstate
technology and associated services are used by pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies to quantify the effect of drugs or other
interventions on human subjects participating in clinical trials.
Concussion: In the area of sports related concussion, Cogstate's
technology has been used by a number of highly regarded institutions and
sporting organisations around the world for almost 10 years.
Healthcare: In the primary care or general practice setting,
COGNIGRAM™ assesses cognition in patients and the reports
generated on the basis of this assessment can allow physicians to
identify subtle changes that could be indicative of the early stage of a
neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease.
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