New iPad Test can detect dementia years before the first symptoms
New Test could revolutionize the diagnosis of dementia
The British National Health Service is currently conducting investigations of a five-minute iPad test to identify quickly and effectively the first signs of dementia. Such a Test could provide patients and their families enormous benefits, and the disease years before the onset of symptoms to recognize.
In a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it was found that a Test on a so-called iPad will recognize in the future that may dementia much earlier, resulting in better treatment and a better management of the disease. The results of the current investigation were published in the English scientific journal “Scientific Reports”.
There is no cure for dementia
An earlier diagnosis could lead to effective therapies. Dementia cannot currently be cured. Such a new Test could reduce the number of anxious persons, to be examined for signs of dementia, what part of the health service a lot of time and money, say the researchers. The Test that needs no medical Monitoring, uses artificial intelligence to assess brain function.
Participating animals had to identify photos
The Participants are approximately shown 100 photos. Then you will be asked whether the images contained an animal. Some clearly show an animal, other images show less obvious animals, and other images that contain absolutely no animal. The photos appear on the iPad only for a fraction of a second. Possible abnormalities, which are indicated by differences in the reaction speed and accuracy, it can indicate a long time before the onset of memory loss and dementia. This Test could be a more effective tool for the detection of early signs of dementia than previous assessments, surmise the authors of the study. The new possibility for the diagnosis of dementia with the help of an iPad is already in a test phase, if everything goes well, could come of the Test is probably already in the next year in the UK across the country.
Existing Tests can be influenced by a number of factors
There is still no single test for dementia. Previously, patients were diagnosed on the basis of skills such as memory, concentration, attention span and language skills. It is can be affected given that the existing Tests by the educational level of a Person, in addition, it also has a significant influence on whether patients have taken the Test once already.
Patients may need to perform the Test two times
The iPad’s Test is based on studies in which problems in visual processing have been identified, which can give an early indication of the development of dementia. Each image differs in terms of complexity and the degree of Surprise of the other images. There are many mathematical characteristics of the image play a role, so that each image acts as Stimuli, the authors explain the study. If the iPad Test points to early signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia, the patient may be the Test another time, if you were unusually tired, the night before the assessment of alcohol drinking, or in the case of the Test were distracted.
The Test allows for the production of new drugs
By determining which parts of the brain are first affected, could the iPad Test help scientists to develop a cure. Billions of pounds in research funds to be invested in the testing of drugs for the later stages of dementia, report researchers. By identifying people with early signs of the disease, experts can gain new insights. The Test is quick and easy to perform, and to investigate areas of the brain affected in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Interesting in this Test that is in an early stage of development, helping to detect diseases even before Gedächtnis– and problems in Mind have the life of the Affected affected.
Further research is needed
„It is encouraging that this technology will be included in studies in which their potential wird“ rating;, the researchers explain. Sensitive AI techniques offer a tremendous opportunity to improve the detection of diseases which cause dementia, and an accurate diagnosis at the right time. Rigorous testing in a large number of people are needed before it can be defined whether or not the iPad Test is more accurate and more sensitive than other ways to determine for dementia. (as)
