The fast-track dementia test

[JPG1]

I take the risk of attempting to return this thread (that has since lost its way and been low-jacked ) back to where I started it - the fast-track dementia test.

For those who are more interested in the genuine background to the fast-track dementia test, here are sources of reliable information.

1. Cambridge University - http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/fast-tracking-dementia-diagnosis/

2. Cambridge Cognition - develops and commercialises computerised neuropsychological tests of outstanding sensitivity. The company's proprietry technological platform is known as CANTAB.
http://www.cantab.com/

3. More solidly reliable information on the fast-track dementia test:
http://www.cantab.com/news.asp?id=200

 

[jimbo 111]

Early dementia assessment service

I know that many members have family suffering with with Lewy Body
The following article was in the Mature Times and I have not seen it reported on TP
jimbo 111

Early dementia assessment service - Lewy Body Society and Parkinson’s UK response to Government plans

The Lewy Body Society and Parkinson's UK respond to Government plans unveiled today (Thursday 8 November) to cut dementia diagnosis times and raise dementia diagnosis rates.

While the charities welcome the proposed early dementia assessment service, they stress the urgent need for staff training and better referral pathways now, to increase recognition of Lewy body dementias, the second most common type of dementia.

Cecilia Yardley of the Lewy Body Society explains: “Lewy body dementias present differently from Alzheimer’s, with fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations and problems with movement. Where the condition is not recognised, people with dementia and their families can experience years of fear and anxiety without help. The lack of training of some health and social care professionals can leave people with Lewy body dementias poorly supported. In the worst cases, antipsychotics, which can be fatal for someone with a Lewy body dementia, are still being wrongly prescribed.”

The Lewy Body Society and Parkinson’s UK also highlight the needs of people with Parkinson’s who have a higher than average risk of developing dementia.

Daiga Heisters, Head of Professional Engagement at Parkinson’s UK, adds: “It is excellent news to see the government making such a firm commitment to improving detection rates for dementia. To provide fully-rounded care, healthcare professionals must pay attention to the changes in mood and thinking that can accompany movement problems in advanced Parkinson’s. We’re calling for better pathways of care so that people who have developed Parkinson’s dementia receive an accurate diagnosis and the support they need to live life to the full.”

Ms Yardley concludes: “The right diagnosis is of value if it opens the door to appropriate treatment and support. Alzheimer’s-focused services are not necessarily right for someone with Parkinson’s dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. As so often, ‘one size does not fit all’,

 

[Bodensee]

I don't think anyone is advocating keeping people in the dark about available, meaningful tests.

Then why can't they be discussed on a regular basis to inform on TP?