According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5.8 million Americans suffer from dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. While common among seniors aged 65 and over, the disease can also affect people as young as 30 years old.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dementia, although certain types of therapy can help prevent further decline. Recently, the U.K. Dementia Research Institute of University College London has made a breakthrough in learning the nature of dementia and opening up new treatment options.
In any case, it remains crucial to detect the onset of dementia early on so there’s a better chance of reducing the effects of progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Several tools allow for this, but the eVox® Test is one of the most effective.
A Word About Dementia
Dementia occurs when there are abnormal changes to brain activity that result in the destruction or impairment of brain cells. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia can lead to memory loss and behavioral changes, depending on which areas of the brain are affected. In Alzheimer’s patients, the hippocampus – the part of the brain that processes learning and memory – is the most affected.
The causes of dementia are still a subject of discussion among cognitive scientists, but treating this disease requires an early intervention which is only possible through early diagnosis.
Psychiatric assessments and brain scans have been proven useful in tracking early signs of dementia. But a new testing method aims to detect the slightest hint of abnormal brain function. This method is known as the eVox® test.
What is the eVox® Test?
Developed by New York-based Evoke Neuroscience, this method focuses on uncovering the underlying causes of early dementia. Using an EEG scan, the eVox® test helps detect biomarkers (or clues) that provide accurate insights on brain activity, brain processing speed, and cognitive capacity.
These insights provide a more accurate picture of brain performance which allows mental health providers to recommend preventive measures. Based on the findings of an eVox® Test, dementia patients can be advised to change their lifestyles, manage workplace stress, and take up activities that boost cognitive health.
How Safe and Accurate is the eVox® Test?
As a painless, non-invasive method, an eVox® brain map measures brainwaves to provide a mental health provider with a better understanding of your cognitive performance. You only need to wear an EEG cap and perform a series of cognitive tasks.
The test will take about 30 minutes after which a report is generated. Biofeedback data will form the basis for a care plan aimed at putting your brain function on the right track.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia have always been a challenge for mental health specialists. With the introduction of this new testing tool, they can get to the root cause of cognitive problems and help patients steer clear of more serious forms of memory loss.
Indeed, there’s nothing more painful than to see a loved one develop dementia. But with new tools like the eVox® Test, we are guaranteed a chance at helping friends and family members preserve memories and make new ones.
At MidCities Psychiatry, we provide only the best tools and methods for diagnosing and treating dementias. Learn more about eVox® testing from us or schedule an appointment.