A new test can detect Alzheimer’s early and more effectively. The test is developed at the University of Tennessee and abnormalities linked with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of impairment can be detected by the test.

The test is called computerized self-test (CST). The plus point of CST is that it is more effective and simpler for patients to take and medical professionals to administer.

For developing the test, Rex Cannon and Dr John Dougherty, an associate professor in the UT Graduate School of Medicine, worked with a team of researchers.

Reports stated that about 60 per cent of Alzheimer's cases go undiagnosed which meant delayed treatment. The impulsion for the test came from these reports.

Cannon said, "Early detection is at the forefront of the clinical effort in Alzheimer's research, and application of instruments like CST in the primary care setting is of extreme importance."

Being an interactive online test, the CST assesses various impairments that see basic functions of thinking and how information is processed that are affected by Alzheimer's and milder forms of cognitive impairment.

Tests that are being used now have an accuracy rate of 71 per cent and 69 per cent.

Cannon added, "Computerized testing is a developing and exciting area for research.”