Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that victimizes a new patient every three seconds around the world. As of 2015, there were about 46.8 million people with the mental ailment. What’s more, this figure is nowhere near a decline. In fact, it is projected to double every twenty years.
Despite a great number of patients with brain diseases, there is no treatment developed to cure it completely. Doctors prescribe medication only to ease some of the symptoms. The ultimate end is memory loss and complete failure of cognitive performance.
Often, the first symptoms that signal the development of dementia include a decline in cognitive functioning. It is possible to experience signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) as you climb the age ladder. So, how would you know if you are aging normally or the cognitive decline is an indication of dementia?
The line between age-induced MCI and dementia-related MCI is thin but solid. Apps such as BrainTest can help you figure out if you are on track to normal aging or have a risk of developing dementia.
What does the app help you with?
Unfortunately, about 8 in every 10 folks with amnestic MCI end up developing Alzheimer’s dementia within seven years. In this context, the best way to beat dementia is by keeping track of your brain’s performance. A braintest review reveals that you can test your brain power in the comfort of your home by employing this app.
The application is the brainchild of researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Essentially, BrainTest is the digital counterpart of Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE). This is a widely credited cognitive screening tool that recognizes thinking, mild cognitive, and memory impairment.
BrainTest helps sniff out early drop in cognitive performance. The results are delivered in a video format where a certified physician explains the score. Based on the test results, you can learn if the MCI is caused by dementia or due to other reasons.
It is critical to mention here that the app is not an alternative to clinical diagnosis. Any abnormalities spotted in the test scores must be immediately discussed with the physician.
The accuracy and results of the application
Research applauds the accuracy of the results generated by this app. The specificity of this app is marked at 90%. Moreover, the sensitivity stands at 71%. This application is for all and sundry. In particular, individuals who have a genetic history of cognitive ailments or suspect signs of poor functioning can use the app. Caretakers can also use the application.
On an average, the test takes no longer than 15 minutes. The results score delivered by this app lie between 22 to 0 where 22 represents a healthy mental condition. On the other hand, a score of 15 points out MCI, which requires a detailed clinical diagnosis. A score that is below 14, however, indicates that you have dementia.
Therefore, there are three main categories of results:
- Normal score showing you need not be concerned about dementia
- Scores in the lower end of the scale that suggest the need for monitoring over time
- Low scores that indicate the need for clinical investigation
Availability and pricing
With its minimal and visually appealing design, the app is easy to use. Multiple options for selecting languages are given. This ensures that you can take the test without the barrier of language. What’s more is that there is an audio soundtrack too. It guides you along each step.
The BrainTest app is available at the iTunes store as well Play store. There is a free trial present too. Once that ends, however, you can only get paid access to the cognitive screening application.
The bottom line
Dementia mostly preys in silence. An app such as BrainTest assists you in keeping tabs of your cognitive performance so that you can conveniently learn if any decline is due to dementia or just a normal part of aging.