Queensland researchers have developed a memory stress test that can be used to predict those at risk of developing dementia.
Scientists from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) have found that the brain’s response to increasing mental stress can predict a future decline in everyday functioning.
“This is an exciting find,” Professor Michael Breakspear, coordinator of QIMR’s Mental Health and Complex Disorders program said.
“Accurate detection of those at risk before they show clinical signs of dementia would allow for early, targeted, preventative interventions.”
QIMR studied and monitored the brain activity of Australians between the ages of 70 and 85 with mild cognitive impairment, which is a known risk factor for dementia. They were given a series of memory tasks of increasing difficulty.
“By using a brain imaging scanner, we were able to detect subtle changes in brain activity. We studied the patients again after two years and found that their initial response to the stress test predicted whether their everyday functioning was stable or declined,” said Professor Breakspear.
When the brain is under stress, the level of accuracy (of the response) is a good indicator of future mental decline.
Professor Breakspear’s paper on this study (Functional Alterations in Brain Activation and Deactivation in Mild Cognitive Impairment in Response to a Graded Working Memory Challenge) can be found here.
“Ultimately, we hope our research may lead to a clinical tool to identify those at risk, allowing for early intervention, better targeting of medications and hence improve the lives of those living with this terrible condition,” Professor Breakspear said.
Commissioned by Alzheimer’s Australia to provide updated dementia prevalence estimates and projections for Australia, the Deloitte Access Economics Report on Dementia Across Australia: 2011 – 2050 estimates that there are currently 266,574 people with dementia in Australia.
This figure is projected to increase to double by 2030 (553,285 people), and almost quadruple by 2050 (942,624 people).
Click here to read the Deloitte Access Economics Report on Dementia across Australia: 2011 – 2050