Online Alzheimer's test could lead to earlier diagnosis

An online test that gives an early warning of Alzheimer’s disease has been developed by British scientists.

The Cognitive Function Test, devised by researchers at Oxford University, can identify signs of Alzheimer’s disease in people as young as 50, potentially paving the way for better Alzheimer’s care in the early stages of the condition.

The interactive quiz is split into three sections and uses computer-based tasks and games to test different components of memory.

The test gives instant results and advises those to be at risk of Alzheimer’s to have a blood test. It also gives them a letter to take to their GP so that they can receive an official diagnosis, where appropriate, and make arrangements for any necessary Alzheimer’s care.

Alzheimer’s experts say that delaying the onset of the disease by five years could cut its mortality rate in half.

The test follows groundbreaking Oxford University research from last year which found that a pill made up of three vitamin B supplements could cut the brain shrinkage linked to Alzheimer’s by up to 500%. An early diagnosis is necessary for the pill to be effective, which is why the team developed the test.

Dr Celeste de Jager, the main developer of the Cognitive Function Test, said that there would be little point in people under 50 doing the test. The researchers are unable to place a figure on the test’s accuracy, but in pilot studies it worked as well as tests already used in GP surgeries and specialist memory clinics.

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