Abstract

Takaki Simura, Eriko Okuyama and Hironori Osugi

This study was started with the aim of developing a neuropsychological test that can be used for screening tests for MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and PSCD (Preclinical Stage of Dementia) prior to dementia. Several Methods are studied to measure the decline in the function of the prefrontal cortex for the screening of MCI and PCD prior to dementia, based on the hypothesis that human behaviour is controlled by the prefrontal cortex using cognitive information of 5 senses. Finally, CWPT which is the combination of stroop effect’s application and recalling the episodic memory is found to be quite suitable one. In order to obtain evidence, analysis by near-infrared spectroscopy, comparison with other neuropsychological tests, and correlation with WCST (Wisconsin Cards Sorting Test) which is well known as a Neuropsychological test were examined. As a criterion of this test, using data of 1584 healthy people, a histogram was drawn out every 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and a mean value ± 1.5 SD was taken as a normal range in each histogram. About 5,000 elderly people in Shizuoka Prefecture have taken this test and are instructed to receive specialist doctors for those who have an average value of -1.5 or less. The evidence of CWPT was confirmed, the criteria were completed, and full use began. Since this test can be easily translated into foreign languages, we are looking for collaborators and sponsors to translate into other foreign languages.