The Memory Days 2008–2012: The results of 5 years of memory testing in Czech Republic

Overview

The project focuses on early diagnosis of Alzheimer‘s disease and other dementias. People who have objective difficulties with memory, but also people who suffer from mood disorders (the GDS test – Geriatric Depression Scale, which primarily serves to differentiate pseudo-dementia due to depression was included, with the number of people suffering from manifested depression reaching 7 %) get to see a specialist thanks to the project. The specialist can then initiate effective treatment for people who can benefit from it the most. According to recent estimates by Alzheimer Europe, more than 123,000 people suffer from dementia in Czech Republic; approximately one tenth of them are treated.

The second, equally important objective of the project is to collect data. The results of the examinations are archived (a signed informed consent form is needed) and the data is continuously digitalized and evaluated. Given the scope of the project is not a negligible source of data – starting in June 2008, around 5,000 people were examined, with further processing of anonymous data being agreed to and an informed consent form signed by the vast majority of participants of the project. Visits to specialists based on the results of ACE-R tests were recommended to 2089 people, i.e. 42 % of the examined subjects.

Key words:
dementia – memory testing – ACE-R