As of: February 29, 2024, 10:15 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Signs of possible Alzheimer's dementia can appear years before diagnosis.
A simple test can provide those affected and their relatives with information before they visit the doctor.
In addition to the clock test for early detection of dementia and the mini-mental status test as part of Alzheimer's diagnostics, the so-called DemTect dementia test can also confirm initial suspicions, particularly those raised by relatives or friends due to behavioral problems of those affected with possible developing dementia cherish.
The psychometric test usually only takes around ten to 15 minutes and does not require any special prior knowledge, so it can also be carried out at home.
The results can provide initial indications of possible dementia, but only a doctor can make an official diagnosis.
Detecting Alzheimer's dementia: DemTect dementia test can reveal early cognitive gaps
In the dementia detection test (DemTect), test subjects have to remember, among other things, 10 words and name things that are available in the supermarket.
(Symbolic image) © imagebroker/Imago
The DemTect dementia test or “dementia detection test” and “dementia detection” was developed in 2000 by scientists at the University Hospital of Bochum and the University Hospital of Cologne and serves as a simple means of detecting even mild cognitive impairments.
The tasks it contains test skills such as memory, word fluency - that is, naming as many different words as possible within a given period of time according to a given rule - and attention.
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In order to be able to carry out the DemTect test, the person affected should be able to hear and see well.
It is also important that the test is held in a quiet environment, without disturbing factors or distractions.
The person carrying out the test - such as a relative or friend - should also remain as calm as possible, speak clearly and act in a friendly manner and without judging the answers.
DemTect test does not replace a professional examination and does not provide a diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia
Like the watch test and mini-mental status test, the DemTect test for the early detection of possible dementia does not replace a detailed medical and psychological examination.
Alzheimer's dementia tests are used to detect possible dementia in a person.
None of the tests can replace a detailed diagnosis followed by a diagnosis by a specialist.
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Indication of Alzheimer's dementia: DemTect test consists of five parts
The memory tests can be used to show how limited the thinking and memory skills of those affected are.
The course of the disease can also be documented using these tests, according to the
Alzheimer Research Initiative e.
V.
The various psychometric tests contain questions and small tasks that may often seem very simple to a healthy person.
However, they are already a real challenge for people with emerging dementia.
The dementia detection test (DemTect) consists of the following five parts:
Task 1: Repeat word list
The test subject should repeat a spoken list of ten words, regardless of the order, after being mentioned by the tester.
Task 2: Convert numbers and numerals
The numbers mentioned should be written down as words, for example “5” as “five” and “219” as “two hundred and nineteen” as well as “two thousand and twenty-seven” as “2027” and “six hundred and eighty-one” as “681”.
Task 3: Supermarket task
Within one minute, the test person should name as many products (max. 30) as possible that are available in a supermarket.
Task 4: Repeat number sequence backwards
A number series such as “4-5-6” should be repeated by the test person in reverse order, i.e. “6-5-4” etc.
Task 5: Repeat word list from task 1
The test person should name as many words as possible from task 1 again.
Source: online portal care
A score is determined for each part of the test, which is converted according to a conversion table depending on the age of the test subject.
The points are finally added up and weighted using a scale.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.