The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

If You Could Read My Mind…(you can’t but Neuronetrix can)

Posted on 27. Mar, 2008 by Kerry Friesen, M.D. in The Memory Bank

An innovative screening test from Neuronetrix that directly measures a patient’s cognitive function will revolutionize the way physicians diagnose neurodegenerative disorders. The ability to accurately distinguish a simple metabolic disorder causing cognitive impairment from an organic problem has never been easy. Physicians have had to rely on clinical judgement alone and simply ignore the potential for bias that comes with it. I should know, I’m a practicing physician.

The COGNISION™ system consists of an electronic headset worn by the patient for test purposes only. A controlled auditory signal is emitted by the headset and then processed by the brain. The brain wave pattern that follows is recorded, evaluated and matched with a known neurocognitive disorder.

The direct measurement of a patient’s cognitive status represents a significant break-through in patient care. While many neuroprotective medications are being developed for neurodegenerative disorders, choosing the correct medication for the correct disorder has been difficult. I was faced with this very dilemma just days ago when a long-time patient asked whether she was developing a second neurological disorder – Alzheimer’s disease – in addition to her current diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. After some discussion I was able to convince her that the likelihood that she had developed Alzheimer’s was small based on the results of her Mini-Mental Status exam – convincing myself however was not quite as easy.

Approximately five million Americans already have Alzheimer’s disease. Another five-hundred thousand new diagnoses are made each year. Accurate detection with the COGNISION™ system and early implementation of a neuroprotective lifestyle could change the lives of millions – thanks to Neuronetrix!