FOI_7331

Internal Reference Number: FOI_7331

Date Request Received: 27/07/2023 00:00:00

Date Request Replied To: 17/08/2023 00:00:00

This response was sent via: By Email

Request Summary: Alzheimer's disease testing

Request Category: Private Individuals


Question Number 1: Alzheimer's disease testing - For the last 12 months period, please could you provide: The number of patients tested for Alzheimer's disease via lumbar puncture

Answer To Question 1: We are unable to answer this question. Although there are procedure codes for these types of tests they are not specific tests to determine Alzheimer’s. We could look at the number of tests carried out on patients who had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's coded but that would not give an accurate volume of all patients tested, only those tested and diagnosed.

Question Number 2: The number of patients tested for Alzheimer's disease via PET scan

Answer To Question 2: No scan alone can diagnose any form of dementia, it’s part of a bigger picture along with mental ability tests, blood tests etc. The terminology ‘Alzheimer’s’ is not widely used by requesting clinicians and as such, the term is too generic to pull accurate data for.

Question Number 3: The number of patients tested for Alzheimer's disease via SPECT scan

Answer To Question 3: We do not have SPECTCT.

Question Number 4: The number of patients tested for Alzheimer's disease via MRI or CT scans

Answer To Question 4: No scan alone can diagnose any form of dementia, it’s part of a bigger picture along with mental ability tests, blood tests etc. The terminology ‘Alzheimer’s’ is not widely used by requesting clinicians and as such, the term is too generic to pull accurate data for.

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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.