Researchers have developed a tool that may improve the detection of early-onset dementia symptoms.
Research and clinicians at the University of Sidney’s Brain and Mind Center have developed a free, online, clinical-administered tool that could greatly increase the likelihood of early detection of primary progressive aphasia, paving the way for enhanced treatment.
Aphasia is a rare, incurable, younger-onset dementia that primarily affects speech and language and occur in people between the ages of 50-70.
The new tool introduced by the University of Sidney draws on a commonly used cognitive screening test called Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III.
According to the data collected, the new tool can predict an Aphasia diagnosis with a sensitivity rate of 70 to 80 per cent.
Dr. Foxe from the University’s FRONTIER Research Group said: “Diagnosing the Aphasia variants is difficult as the language profiles are often complex, overlapping or difficult to detect for inexperienced clinicians.
“However, it’s really important that Aphasia patients receive the correct diagnosis as this will ensure that they receive the right treatment.
“I hope my tool will improve the clinical assessment of Aphasia, especially in rural and primary health settings where dementia clinics are few and far between, and ultimately improve the lives of people living with this incurable disease.”
There is currently no cure for early-onset dementia but researchers are investigating the underlying pathological causes of these diseases which could lead to novel pharmacological interventions.
In the meantime, treatment such as speech therapy have been found to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in the early disease stages.
Currently more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.
Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally.
