Alzheimer’s cognitive testing improved with multivariate analysis

Researchers from the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle (both NSW, Australia) have developed a novel multivariate approach to improve methods of cognitive testing in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Using the new model, the researchers were able to analyze the cognitive performance of patients over time and identify five distinct patient groups. At present, cognitive impairment in AD patients is measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test. Patients’ responses to five types of questions are monitored and then scored using an algorithm. However, critics have suggested that the MMSE test is not entirely valid as scores...