Alzheimers diagnosis needs multi-disciplinary approach

Curtin University researchers have found that current methods for predicting the onset of Alzheimers disease are too simplistic and a broad approach is needed.

Above: Curtin Universtity Associate Professor Jonathan Foster

By Natasha Egan

Current methods for predicting the onset of Alzheimer’s disease are too simplistic, according to Curtin University research, which recommends a multi-disciplinary approach to improve diagnosis.

The West Australian study of over 1000 participants aged over 60 involved genetic testing and a range of tests to assess thinking skills.

When determining risk factors for dementia, general practitioners and other health professionals often look for the genetic marker APOE, which has been linked to impairment in thinking skills associated with developing Alzheimer’s disease as people age.

However, lead researcher Dr Jonathan Foster said the study found that APOE had no significant impact on those thinking skills and the test should not be relied upon alone.

“There was no functional difference between those carrying the gene and those not carrying the gene,” said Dr Foster, an Associate Professor from Curtin University‘s School of Psychology and Speech Pathology.

“Our research indicates that regular monitoring incorporating a full range of clinical tests and other measures undertaken by a multi-disciplinary health team is the best way to determine accurately the likelihood of dementia,” Dr Foster said.

Dr Foster recommends a holistic approach combining a number of specialities including neuropsychological assessment and looking at the activities of daily living.

“Such an approach means that we are likely able to identify the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease much earlier, so that targeted intervention programs can be recommended for those who are at higher risk of developing dementia,” Dr Foster said. 

Neuropsychological assessment evaluates episodic memory or the memory of autobiographical events.

It uses normative data so results can be compared to the norm for a person’s age, gender and peers, whereas the commonly used mini mental state examination (MMSE), doesn’t have normative data, Dr Foster said.

There is a push to have neuropsychological services covered under Medicare because they are currently not included, he said.

Dr Foster said the finding was most relevant to people over the age of 60 and general practitioners, specialists and other health professionals seeking to diagnose dementia.

The prevalence of dementia doubles every five years from the age of 65 and rises to around 40 per cent in those over 90 years of age, he said.

Tags: alzheimers-disease, apoe, curtin-university, dr-jonathan-foster, research,

1 thought on “Alzheimers diagnosis needs multi-disciplinary approach

  1. I can not explain how on the nail this article is when it comes to the changes that need to occur in aged care. The medical model is dying in some cases and blending in others….there is much information needed here. Good work prof foster.

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