Detecting Dementia Earlier: Using Spatial & Episodic Memory Tests to More Accurately Predict Progression From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease

Aims 1. To determine whether the 4 Mountains test of allocentric (i.e. viewpoint-independent) spatial memory, and tests of memory for a recent experience (e.g. watching a brief video), to diagnose the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. 2. We operationalise this as the ability of these tests to predict whether or not an individual progresses from having some cognitive difficulties (diagnosed as 'mild cognitive impairment' MCI) to subsequently developing Alzheimer's disease up to two years later. 3. To assess whether the ability to diagnose early stages of Alzheimer's disease can be improved by combining the scores from different memory tests, from questionnaires assessing spatial and social aspects of everyday life. 4. To assess whether scores on the spatial memory test are correlated with patients' reports of their everyday spatial memory, using a newly-developed questionnaire. Outcome Measures Primary study objective: To determine the ability of allocentric spatial and episodic memory test performance to predict progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease. Secondary outcome measure 1. To assess to what extent social characteristics of everyday life may impact upon progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease. 2. To correlate allocentric spatial test performance with real-world spatial ability as assessed through a novel spatial questionnaire.