Medinteract launches community service initiative by making ALZselftest.com available to Arbor Terrace
Early screening for Alzheimer’s Disease with 98% accuracy of cognitive impairment now available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Knoxville, Tenn. (July 3, 2009) – Developed by Dr. John H. Dougherty, a leading neurologist, founder of Medinteract and Medical Director of the Cole Neuroscience Center at UT Medical Center in Knoxville, the ALZselftest empowers people to monitor their cognitive health and identify potential problems as early as possible.
In 2002, Dr. Dougherty developed the Self Test, a paper test designed to identify cognitive impairment at the earliest possible stages. Due to the alarming rate of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) sufferers going undiagnosed, Dr. Dougherty has adapted his existing test for computer use, and has made it available directly to the public online.
In support of our mission to support early diagnosis of AD, Medinteract is pleased to announce a new partnership to provide testing to residents of Arbor Terrace in Knoxville. For the initial phase of the testing, the 90 residents of Arbor Terrace will have an opportunity to take the test, with a follow-up scheduled six months later to monitor any potential changes in cognitive ability. Joy Hall, Executive Director of Arbor Terrace, states "Our Memory Care program was designed specifically to provide interventions to those seniors needing additional support, and as a way to offer help within our own community. With regular use of the ALZselftest we are better equipped to measure the effectiveness of these interventions and to tailor programs that will serve each of our residents."
In addition to providing the tests, Medinteract will also provide an intern to assist in training staff and administering tests.
Since its launch in November 2008, ALZselftest.com has steadily grown in popularity. Once visiting, users find a wealth of information about Alzheimer’s Disease. The ALZselftest, proven to be 98% accurate in clinical studies for diagnosing cognitive impairment, can be taken in about 10 minutes and is available to the general public for only $20. To-date, tests have been taken by users in 50 states and more than 13 countries.
Ongoing clinical studies of the ALZselftest show it is 98% accurate in distinguishing those with cognitive impairment from non-impaired persons. This rate is achieved because ALZselftest measures all of the cognitive domains, unlike other Alzheimer’s tests. Studies also show 95% accuracy at distinguishing between the stages of Alzheimer’s, including Mild Cognitive Impairment. By contrast, the widely used screening test, MMSE, only reaches 83% diagnostic accuracy and 67% accuracy in distinguishing between stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
According to the National Institute on Aging, scientists estimate nearly 5 million Americans currently suffer from AD. “The earlier you diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease, the better your chances of managing the disease without severe impairment,” says Dr. Dougherty. “Unfortunately, 60% of people with early signs of the disease go undiagnosed until they are past the early stages, when treatment options are best. Our goal was to make low-cost screening available to the general public so they can monitor their cognitive health, just as they would monitor blood pressure or blood sugar levels.”
The test, research and supporting statistical data, as well as comprehensive resources for those wishing to learn more about AD, are available at www.alzselftest.com.
About Dr. John Dougherty and Medinteract
Dr. John H. Dougherty is a leading neurologist who currently follows more than 1500 Alzheimer’s patients, founder of Medical Interactive Education, Co-Director of the Brain and Spine Institute at the University of Tennessee, Medical Director of the Cole Neuroscience Center at UT Medical Center in Knoxville, and the developer of the ALZselftest.
