P2‐157: Memory, Aging and Cognition Centre's Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore (EDIS) Study: Study Methodology
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: The Memory, Aging and Cognition Centre aims to develop a national strategy for detection, care and research for dementia. The Epidemiology theme studies the prevalence of dementia and its subtypes in an elderly multi-ethnic Asian population. The on-going population-based Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease (SEED) Programme studies the prevalence of major eye diseases among more than 10,000 randomly-selected adults aged 40-80 years of Chinese, Malay or Indian ethnicity. Participants above 60 years of age undergo cognitive screening using the Abbreviated Mental Test and a self-report of Progressive Forgetfulness. In EDIS, those who screen positive are assessed for dementia according to DSM IV, and invited to a comprehensive clinical assessment, measurement of blood samples, psychometry and neuroimaging. Medical assessment is performed in accordance with established clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation of dementia. Blood investigations for reversible causes of dementia are taken. Psychologists administer a validated neuropsychological test battery. The non-memory domains tested are: Executive Function (Frontal Assessment Battery), Attention (Digit Span, Visual Memory Span, Auditory Detection), Language (Boston Naming Test, Verbal Fluency), and Visuomotor speed (Symbol Digit Modality Test, Digit Cancellation, Maze Task), Visuoconstruction (WMS-R Visual Reproduction Copy task, Clock Drawing, WAIS-R subtest of Block Design). The memory domains tested are: Verbal Memory (Word List Recall, Story Recall) and Visual Memory (Picture Recall, WMS-R Visual Reproduction). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences used include Sagittal T1 FLAIR, Axial TSE T2, Axial T2*, Axial DWI, ADC maps, Coronal FLAIR, Coronal BRAVO (3DSPGR IR-Prepped) and MR Angiography. Dementia diagnosis is made at weekly consensus conference, according to DSM-IV. Aetiological diagnosis for Alzheimer's Disease follows the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for AD, and the NINDS-AIREN criteria for Vascular Dementia. Dementia severity is assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. The non-demented diagnoses include Cognitively Impaired Not Demented, or No Cognitive Impairment. Informed consent is obtained from all participants. The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board. The study will provide new epidemiological data on the prevalence, spectrum and characteristics of dementia in a pan-Asian multi-ethnic cohort. This will facilitate healthcare resource allocation and design of clinical guidelines by various healthcare agencies that cater to the needs of the disabled elderly in Asia.
Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1965294692