Self-testing for Alzheimer's

(Sebastian Kaulitzki)

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is, according to ALZ.org, the Alzheimer's Association’s website, a progressive and fatal brain disease that accounts for 50-70 percent of dementia cases (loss of memory and brain function that impairs daily activities) that has no cure. However, there is a simple, 10-question DIY test accessible online that can target early signs of AD better than standardized tests.

Every 70 seconds someone develops AD, and researchers and AD activists project that by 2050, 1 in 85 worldwide will have AD with increased percentages in India, Asia and Brazil.

Ongoing research continues to seek a way to combat AD onset, and early detection may help to make AD livable with various lifestyle changes and advice from a physician.

The TYM (test your memory) quiz was researched against two other standardized, medically recognized tests by Cambridge neurological researchers in June 2009 and the results concluded that TYM "can be completed quickly and accurately by normal controls. It is a powerful and valid screening test for the detection of Alzheimer's disease."

Take TYM: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_4719.asp

Score TYM: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/data/bmj.b2030/DC1/2

Full study, Self-administered cognitive screening test (TYM) for detection of Alzheimer's disease: cross sectional study: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/338/jun08_3/b2030

Learn more about the AD brain, ALZ.org's Brain Tour available in 14 different languages: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_4719.asp