A New Quick Way to Assess Alzheimer Disease

A neuropsychological test captures the episodic memory deficit associated with AD, even early in the disease process.

Relatively brief and easy-to-perform neuropsychological tests that are valid and sensitive are important clinical tools for diagnosing specific dementias. A research group recently reported on a measure for Alzheimer disease (AD) — the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT). Two other common standard neuropsychological tests were also given (CERAD neuropsychological battery and paragraph recall from the Wechsler Memory Scale).

The 185 participants had mild cognitive impairment (MCI; scores, >1 standard deviation below norms on cognitive tests). They underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for amyloid β1–42/tau ratio. Forty percent had a CSF profile consistent with AD.

In the FCSRT, the patient undergoes controlled learning of a ca…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

A New Quick Way to Assess Alzheimer Disease

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Reviewing Author