Mendiondo et al developed a screening test for Alzheimer’s disease that is intended to be brief and easily administered. This can help identify patients who may benefit from a more complete evaluation. The authors are from the University of Kentucky.
Patient selection: age > 60 years of age
Parameters:
(1) recall of 3 items (apple, table, penny)
(2) number of animals recalled in 30 seconds
(3) today’s date
(4) spelling the word “WORLD” backwards
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
3 item recall |
all 3 items |
3 |
|
|
2 items |
2 |
|
|
1 item |
1 |
|
|
none |
0 |
|
number of animals |
|
<number> |
|
today’s date |
correct |
1 |
|
|
incorrect |
0 |
|
spelling backward |
all 5 letters |
5 |
|
|
4 letters |
4 |
|
|
3 letters |
3 |
|
|
2 letters |
2 |
|
|
1 letter |
1 |
|
|
none |
0 |
BAS =
= (3.03 * (points for recall)) + (0.67 * (number of animals named)) + (4.75 * (points for today’s date)) + (2.01 * (points for spelling backwards))
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: varies with the number of animals recalled, but probably around 37.29 (if 20 animals recalled)
• The performance varies with the cutoff values used and the reference method. Using a cutoff of <= 26 to indicate the Alzheimer’s disease and a CERAD validation group, the sensitivity was 99% and specificity was 87%.
Purpose: To screen a patient for Alzheimer's disease using the Brief Alzheimer Screen of Mendiondo et al.
Specialty: Neurology
Objective: clinical diagnosis, including family history for genetics, other testing
ICD-10: G30,
