Demographics, Smell Test, and Cognitive Test Can Predict Cognitive Decline, Dementia
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Oct. 21, 2024 -- Impairment in both an odor identification test and global cognition is comparable to positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-Pittsburgh compound B (11C-PiB) for predicting cognitive decline and dementia, according to a study published online Oct. 10 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Davangere P. Devanand, M.D., from Columbia University in New York City, and colleagues evaluated impaired odor identification and global cognition as simple, cost-effective alternatives to neuroimaging biomarkers to predict cognitive decline and dementia. The analysis included 647 participants in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, followed for a mean 8.1 years.
The researchers found that in survival analyses, PiB PET showed robust prediction for cognitive decline. Other significant predictors included an impaired 12-item Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT), impaired modified Blessed Information Memory Concentration Test (BIMCT), magnetic resonance imaging results, and fluorodeoxyglucose measures. Strong predictive utility was seen with the combination of demographics, BSIT, and BIMCT (C-index, 0.81), which was similar to the combination of demographics and PiB PET (C-index, 0.80). Even stronger results were seen for prediction of dementia.
"Our study highlights a practical and cost-effective approach for predicting cognitive decline and dementia, which could greatly improve access to early diagnosis," Devanand said in a statement. "By using these simple tests, health care providers can gain additional clues for identifying those at risk, providing timely interventions, and increasing participation in clinical trials."
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted October 2024
Read this next
Opportunistic Community Screening IDs Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Risk Factors
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2025 -- Opportunistic pop-up community screening identifies a high prevalence of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, according to a study published online...
Missed Opportunity Common in Patients With High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2025 -- A considerable proportion of patients with high-grade serous cancer (HGSC) have missed opportunities for risk assessment with genetic testing and for...
EHR Notes Reveal Potential Racial Bias in Doctors' Perception of Patient Credibility
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2025 -- An analysis of more than 13 million electronic health record (EHR) notes shows potential racial bias in how doctors document patient trustworthiness...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.