Cambridge Cognition Welcomes the Launch of the First National Dementia Strategy

UK Strategy Underlines the Importance of Early Detection in the Care of Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients

Cambridge Cognition Ltd, developers of a clinical diagnostic product that provides early warning of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's, welcomes the launch of the National Dementia Strategy. The strategy, unveiled yesterday by Health Secretary, Alan Johnson and Phil Hope, the Care Services Minister, focuses on three key themes: improving public and professional awareness; early diagnosis and intervention; and improving quality of care.

The development of the strategy comes in response to growing concerns over the lack of effective diagnosis and treatment for dementia, a condition suffered by approximately 700,000 Britons, most of whom have Alzheimer's disease.

Current dementia assessment techniques are subjective and time consuming, representing a considerable drain on both financial and human resources. By contrast, Cambridge Cognition's CANTAB(R), the world's leading cognitive testing product for the diagnosis and assessment of important mental health diseases including Alzheimer's disease, is a highly sensitive, objective and cost-effective technology.

Developed at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Cognition's Paired Associate Learning (PAL) test is widely recognised as being the leading technology for detecting the clinical signs of early stage dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment, as well as accurately differentiating between demented and healthy patients and those suffering from depression.

Dr Andrew Blackwell, Chief Scientific Officer of Cambridge Cognition, commented: "The devices and tests developed by Cambridge Cognition will assist clinicians in the challenging task of differentiating patients with the early signs of dementia from the 'worried well'. This technology will significantly improve clinical outcomes for older adults experiencing memory problems."

Ian Harris, CEO of Cambridge Cognition, said: "We are delighted with the launch of this strategy, which should make an incredible difference to the lives of people with AD and other forms of dementia. Early detection of dementia is vital to improving the quality of patient care and we look forward to playing a leading role in these important health reforms."



About Cambridge Cognition Ltd.

Cambridge Cognition develops and markets CANTAB(R), the world's leading cognitive testing product for the diagnosis and assessment of important mental health diseases including Alzheimer's, Depression, Schizophrenia and ADHD. The computerised neuropsychological tests in CANTAB(R) are outstandingly sensitive and extensively validated, with a bibliography of over 600 peer-reviewed journal papers. Based in Cambridge, England, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge Cognition Ltd supplies its products and services to the pharmaceutical industry and academic researchers across the globe.


-dpa-