Amsterdam UMC's Alzheimer Centre has developed a prediction model that can predict cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The next step is developing an app that uses this prediction model, which would represent an important step towards personalized forecasts for patients. The study is published today in the journal Neurology.
After people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, their first question is often: "What can I expect now?". This question is difficult for doctors to answer. To aid them, Pieter van der Veere, physician-researcher at Alzheimer Centre Amsterdam, has developed a model that can predict cognitive decline, Although the predictions do not provide absolute certainty, the model does give an indication of the course of the disease over a period of 5 years.
For practical use, a prototype of an app is available for scientific research. The next step is to develop a more user-friendly app with input from patients, family members, and professionals. The prediction model is based on data from nearly 1000 patients with Alzheimer's disease.
It uses general information such as age, gender, and cognitive test scores, as well as data from MRI scans and biomarkers, gathered from cerebrospinal fluid. "As a result, it gives a prediction that is really tailored to each individual person," says Van der Veere. Nevertheless, the model shows how difficult it is to make a precise prediction for each individual pat.
