The Dementia Review process at FHS involves a systematic approach to identify and evaluate participants for dementia-related endpoints.
It consists of several stages:
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Identification of Participants: Participants flagged for possible cognitive decline based on criteria such as neurologist determination, neuropsychological exam results, and changes in cognitive tests are identified by the data management team.
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Compilation of Dementia Review Case Summary (DRCS): A research assistant gathers relevant information about each participant, including medical history, education, exam results, and imaging data, to create a comprehensive summary.
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Dementia Review Meeting: An adjudication panel, including neuropsychologists and neurologists, evaluates each DRCS to determine evidence of cognitive decline, establish dates of impairment onset and dementia stages, and identify potential contributors to cognitive impairment. Diagnostic impressions and stages of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are also characterized.
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Data Entry: Dementia Review data, along with Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) forms if applicable, are entered into a database with built-in quality control measures to ensure accuracy.
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Special Consideration for Brain Donors: Participants who have donated their brains undergo additional procedures, including obtaining brain imaging and conducting family interviews aligned with CDR interviews, to provide comprehensive information for neuropathological review at neuropath conferences.
Overall, the Dementia Review process at FHS aims to systematically evaluate participants for dementia-related endpoints, providing valuable insights for research and clinical purposes.