NTG-EDSD

The NTG released the NTG-Early Detection Screen for Dementia (NTG-EDSD) which was developed in response to requests by family caregivers and agencies for a tool useful to record observations of changes in function.

 

The NTG-EDSD is used in starting that critical conversation with (and among) clinical personnel as to whether their observations merit more explicit assessment for MCI or dementia or -- alternatively – signal behaviors that may be amenable to intervention and remediation. 

 

The NTG-EDSD, an administrative screening tool, is useful as part of the information collected in conjunction with the Affordable Care Act’s annual wellness visit and cognitive impairment assessment. The NTG-EDSD has been recognized as a useful dementia symptoms or indicators screening tool in the guidelines issued by the Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome Workgroup and published in JAMA [2020, 324(15),1543-1556].  It has been found of use in studies of mild cognitive impairment, as well - see Silverman et al., 2021 (JARID, doi: 10.1111/jar.12849)

 

The NTG-EDSD is also useful for collective discussions and dementia care planning involving families and care providers.  A presentation by Dr. Lucy Esralew, of NTG's Board of Directors and Chair of the NTG's Clinical Care Committee, explains its basis and how it can be applied via a set of informative slides.  Click here to access her presentation.

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The specialized information provided by the NTG-EDSD can aid community practitioners when examining and assessing adults with intellectual disability. The NTG-EDSD is designed to be completed by family caregivers and staff at local agencies and organizations.