TYM Alzheimer's Screen Can "Test Your Memory" in 10 Minutes

DIAGNOSIS VIDEO + TRANSCRIPT
  • Transcript appears to the left.
  • Allow 15 seconds for video to load.
  • For FULL-SCREEN-VIEW, click the icon in the lower right corner of video.

    • Alzheimer's is a tragic disease for a family - losing a relationship with a loved one as their personality changes right in front of you.

    But what is it like for those who worry that they might have Alzheimer's? Now there is a new 10 minute test that may answer their concerns. Christy Meyers brings us that in our Health Check.

    The "Test Your Memory" quiz can be taken in 10 minutes. It identified 93% of the people with Alzheimer's. That's much better than many tests used today.

    Dr. Furr-Stimming: "It tests immediate and delayed recall."

    Download a sample.
    Take under doctor supervision.

    Advertisement

    Houston neurologist Dr. Erin Furr-Stimming has not given the new test to a patient but said she probably will.

    Dr. Furr-Stimming: "None of these tests can diagnose that you absolutely have dementia. They cannot diagnose absolutely the cause of dementia, so I think it is important that we use them with caution."

    The TYM Test is so new, few people have even seen it. It was written by British scientists and involves 10 tasks.

    Here's one question: "Join circles to form a letter, while ignoring the squares." That shows visual-spacial ability.

    Another question: "Why is a carrot like a potato?" This one is to help evaluate abstract thinking.

    There are math problems. "Add 4 + 15 - 17." That shows how you maintain attention.

    Missing some answers or even flunking the test...

    Dr. Furr-Stimming: "That doesn't absolutely mean that they have dementia. That doesn't absolutely mean that they have Alzheimer's."

    If you get a bad result, a neurologist may do an MRI or additional tests and even check for reversible memory loss such as a vitamin B deficiency or thyroid problems.

    Dr. Furr-Stimming: "So if someone is afraid that they have problems with their memory, it is probably best to visit their neurologist and decide what tests should be taken instead of taking a test and sort of diagnosing themselves."

    But for some, being able to test your memory yourself may be reassuring or could let you know you should see a doctor. And when the future seems unclear, that could help.

    (Christy Meyers, 13 Health Check.)

    Test Yor Memory was only given to 540 people. Researchers say it will need to be given to a much larger number of people to double-check its accuracy before it is widely adopted.

    ABC13 News

    More info on this article

    Related Videos & Articles

    Do I Have a Memory Problem?

    Dr. Barry Gordon, MD, Ph.D.

    VIDEO + TRANSCRIPT

    Dr. Barry Gordon, MD, Ph.D, who is both a behavioral neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University, answers the question, "What would I do if I had a memory problem?"

    Read more »

    MCI Does NOT Mean Pre-Alzheimer's

    Senior businessman contemplating his memory's health

    MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) is a common label for early memory problems. Doctors thought Alzheimer's or other dementias inevitably followed. Learn how this half-truth was shattered by a ground-breaking British study.

    Read more »

    We Naturally Hide Memory Problems

    Discussing a memory test

    In an AFA survey, 68.1% of respondents reported memory complaints. Only 21.1% told their doctors. More should. The earlier one diagnoses serious problems, the earlier one can be treated, plan for the future & embrace social services support,says Dr. R. Powers.

    Read more »

    More Information

    Source:

    Video - Copyright ©2009 ABC Inc., KTRK-TV/DT Houston, TX. All Rights Reserved.
    TYM Test
    (Article thumbnail)
    Published:
    Most Recently Updated On:
    February 23, 2012
    First published on:
    Week of June 21 - June 28, 2009
    Edited By:
    Peter Berger, Editor, Alzheimer's Weekly
    Medical accuracy review by:
    Dr. B. Ancelovic, MD, Geriatrician, Alzheimer's Weekly
    Permalink:
    http://alzheimersweekly.com/node/465
    Copyright:
    © Copyright 2009, Alzheimer's Weekly LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    .