Memory Testing

More than four million Americans have dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or related disorders, and this number is projected to grow to 14 million in the next 50 years. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. All people are at risk for dementia, with the greatest risk factor being increased age.

Before Alzheimer's disease causes dementia, it passes through a pre-symptomatic stage. The next stage is one of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in which recent memory is impaired but competence in daily living is not. Many, but not all, patients with MCI go on to develop Alzheimer's dementia at a rate of about 15 percent per year.

Detection of disease at the stage of MCI is becoming a high priority, because at this early stage, interventions that slow or reverse Alzheimer's disease are most likely to be effective and preserve the most function.

Factors known to facilitate preservation of cognitive abilities in aging adults include maintaining a cognitively challenging lifestyle, regular physical exercise, positive emotions and relationships, and limiting exposure to chronic stress. Genetic factors also affect the chances of normal aging.

There are many interventions that may help protect your Brain. Many studies have been done on the relationship between homocysteine levels and dementia, and while research does not conclusively prove the relationship, it strongly suggests that homocysteine directly promotes the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. "Plasma Homocysteine as a Risk Factor for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease" Published in The New England Journal of Medicine

Recent studies suggest that those individuals with the highest levels o DHA (Omega 3 Fatty acids) and anti oxidants had 76% and 70% reductions in the incidence of Alzheimer's Disease.

Memory testing has a role in early detection and treatment of Cognitive Decline.

A very common complaint is memory loss. Following brain function over time is a very important component of a wellness program. At Center For Age Management a test consisting of a set of computerized subtests requiring simple patient responses on a standard keyboard. Measurement of cognition typically associated with a brain dysfunction, such as reaction time, concentration, information processing speed, and the ability to learn new information are measured and followed over time providing early clues to Changes in Cognition.

HeadMinder scientists have implemented the only existing commercial system that uses advanced statistical models for measuring and monitoring change in cognitive functions. Each individual's initial test results are used as a baseline for comparison to future tests. The baseline allows the system to create a unique longitudinal profile: the individual is compared to himself or herself over time, thereby increasing the accuracy of the test. (Most traditional assessment measures compare individuals to a group average.)