A recent study published online in BMC Geriatrics found that four questions from the Alzheimer’s Questionnaire (AQ) could be used to determine whether a person has amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), an early risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. While the study was a fairly small sample size, (100 individuals) the results were significant in finding these four questions as predictors of aMCI.

• Does the individual repeat questions/statements in the same day?
• Does the individual have trouble remembering the date, year and time?
• Does the individual have difficulty managing finances?
• Does the individual have a decreased sense of direction?

Using these four simple questions can help primary care physicians or even family members to better identify individuals at risk and encourage further assessments for them. The investigators are now developing a self-reporting tool for individuals to fill out and take to their family physician. The goal of this approach is to encourage early diagnosis and the creation of a treatment plan which may prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.