About
AQ
A quick test, released by BMC Geriatrics, will help
to detect early or waive the suspicion of signs of Alzheimer’s disease for those,
who suspect that their symptoms cannot be explained by the regular
forgetfulness or normal aging.
So, this 21-question test distinguishes between
normal absent-mindedness and the more sinister memory lapses that may signal
the early stages of dementia. The questions are designed to be answered by a
spouse or close friend. While the Alzheimer’s Questionnaire is considered as almost
90 per cent accurate, measuring mild cognitive impairment – the slight memory
lapses that can be a precursor of the disease - it should not be used as a
definitive guide to diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) or amnestic mild
cognitive impairment (aMCI).
Your physician may suggest that the tests be
administered at home, and then brought back into the office at the time of the
next appointment.
Be advised that up to 15 per cent of people with MCI develop Alzheimer’s within the next year. But lack of a cure for dementia means that some people may not want to take the test, as denial is still one of the most wide-spread approaches among general population.
The 21 questions are answered with a simple ‘yes’ or
‘no’. A ‘yes’ is given a score of one or two and a ‘no’ always scores zero,
giving a maximum possible score of 27. Some questions, including one about
making the same statements over the course of a day, known as repetitiveness,
were found to be particularly valuable. Therefore, some questions related to repeating
statements, having trouble knowing the date or time, having difficulties
managing their finances and a decreased sense of direction, have been assigned a
double weight in the questionnaire.
AQ
Administration
Pick 1 answer to each of the 21 questions (yes or
no). Then add up all the points to arrive at a final score.
- Does your loved one have memory loss?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- If so, is their memory worse than a few years ago?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they repeat statements or stories in the same day?
·
Y = 2
·
N = 0
- Have you had to take over tracking events or appointments, or does
the patient forget appointments?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they misplace items more than once a month?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they suspect others of hiding, or stealing items when they
cannot find them?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Does your loved one frequently have trouble knowing the day, date,
month, year, and time; or check the date more than once a day?
·
Y = 2
·
N = 0
- Do they become disoriented in unfamiliar places?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they become more confused when not at home or when traveling?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Excluding physical limitations, do they have trouble handling
money, such as tips or calculating change?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they trouble paying bills or doing finances?
·
Y = 2
·
N = 0
- Does your loved one have trouble remembering to take medicines or
keeping track of medications taken?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they difficulty driving; or are you concerned about their
driving?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Are they having trouble using appliances, such as the stove,
phone, remote control, microwave?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Excluding physical limitations, are they having difficulty completing
home repair or housekeeping tasks?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Excluding physical limitations, have they given up or cut down on
hobbies such as golf, dancing, exercise or crafts?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Are they getting lost in familiar surroundings, such as their own
neighbourhood?
·
Y = 2
·
N = 0
- Is their sense of direction failing?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they have trouble finding words other than names?
·
Y = 1
·
N = 0
- Do they confuse names of family members or friends?
·
Y = 2
·
N = 0
- Do they have trouble recognizing familiar people?
·
Y = 2
·
N = 0
Scores
- 0
to 4: No cause for concern
- 5
to 14: Memory loss may be an early warning of Alzheimer’s
- 15
and above: Alzheimer’s may already have developed
Writing in the journal BMC Geriatrics researcher
Michael Malek-Ahmadi said: “As the population ages, the need for a quick method
of spotting the disease early will grow.” Mr Malek-Ahmadi stressed that it is
up to the doctor, rather than the patient to interpret the results of the test.
That said, that anyone who scores five or above should seek expert help.
The study authors noted that their findings are
particularly important because those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
are at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. These patients, they
added, could benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.
Sources and Additional Information:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2095705/Alzheimers-questionnaire-Test-reveal-YOU-risk.html
