“Our method enables clinicians to predict the disease path with great specificity.” “It may become a valuable tool for both physicians and patients’ families.” Results can be presented as expected time to a particular outcome. Two 68-year-old Alzheimer’s patients, for example, had similar mental status scores (one a mini-mental status score (mMMS) of 38/54, the other of 39/54) at initial visit. The first patient was more dependent on his caregiver and had psychiatric symptoms (delusions). These and other subtle differences in the initial presentation of the two patients resulted in different predictions of time until death. The method accurately predicted that the first patient would die within three years, while the other would survive more than 10 years. Dr. Stern and his team are now developing a computer program that would allow clinicians to input the variables and receive a report. They expect the program to become available within the next two years. Eventually, such a program might be incorporated into electronic health records. “At our Alzheimer’s center, patients are already filling out much of their clinical information electronically,” said Dr. Stern.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:17:59 +0000
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