Hi, Can someone tell me what EPS stands for? I am doing some calculating on a prediction calulator on-line and one of the questions asks if EPS is present or absent.

thanks,
Ami

Ami,

EPS could mean a hundred (or more) different things. I can only make a guess at what the questionnaire is asking you for. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are medication-related disruptions of motor activity including restlessness, muscle spasms, and muscle rigidity or tremor. Again, I have no idea if that is what your questionnaire is asking.

Good luck!

what is the on line address for the test-maybe if someone could see how it is used they can figure it out.

It is "Predicted Time to Nursing Home Care and Death in Individuals with Alzheimer Disease" (A web page posted by Bill)

http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/cgi-bin/predictor.cgi
There is a quicker link, maybe Bill will read this and put it up again. I forget what thread he posted it on.


Ami

Ami,

I checked that webpage and found that they were referring to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). This "predictor" tool appears to be a work in progress (meaning, it's still being researched). I don't want to discount it, but I do want to caution you that this is not considered a standard diagnostic tool.

Thank you Mark

I checked it out too, and used this test also. EPS means extra pyramidical symptoms, which in english means "is thier outward appearance normal?" Their facial expressions or lack of (we used to say my mother had a poker face, and that is one of the ratings!!!!) It also is how they talk--is it slow, simple,(do they answer questions simply, and can they elaborate) how they move-okay, i didn't understand this one very well, but it has to do with body movement--, and how they walk---I would guess that their movements become akward (sp?)--My mother trips alot, and is always dropping things--so that would be an EPS, a sign that something isn't normal. But, with Alzheimers not everyone has the same symptoms (until late stages), it affects everyone differently to different degrees and it affects different behaviors-with each person. Is it valid? See last sentence!! Hope that helps!

Alori,
My fathers friends thought he was fine because his outward appearance is normal, but if you spend any time with him you will notice that he gets a blank stare when he is spoken to. Most of the time, I have to really continue to look at him to see if he is comprehending me.
He doesn't have 'butter-fingers' and his walking is fine. He walks about a mile a day after breakfast. He is in very good physical condition and the dementia is the only thing that is wrong with him.
Take care,
Ami

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Alori:
It also is how they talk--is it slow, simple,(do they answer questions simply, and can they elaborate) how they move-okay, i didn't understand this one very well, but it has to do with body movement--, and how they walk---I would guess that their movements become akward (sp?)--My mother trips alot, and is always dropping things--so that would be an EPS, a sign that something isn't normal.

I know I am responding over a year later, but I'm new and am reading the topics and responses to catch up. However, yours caught my eye because what you wrote applies to my dad. My dad has non-responsive facial expressions (which can easily be masked by his being extremely hard of hearing). However, when he was being diagnosed for Alzheimer's I first thought he might be developing Parkinson's because he had a tremor in one hand AND he was walking strangely--not awkwardly as much as shuffling and sliding his feet along without picking them up. I think this is what they mean as one type of unusual body movement. If someone, like my dad, has this, you will notice it. It's hard to describe but if it's there, you will know it when you see it.

Anne K

Hello: Just happened to notice your post. I am an RN. EPS, or extrapyramidal symptoms refers to a condition that can occur as a reaction to medication; especially seen with the anti-psychotics.

EPS manifests itself with tremors or shaking of the body, especially seen in the extremities.

That is all they were looking for - a reaction to medication which neurologically affects nerves/muscles.

Thank you all for your generous comments to this inquiry. I would concur with "Johanna C". Keep in mind the Alzheimer's Association Contact Center is available 24/7 at: 1-800-272-3900 or our Greenfield Research Library can be contacted M-F, 9-5pm CST at the same number.

Best wishes,

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Anne K:
...I first thought he might be developing Parkinson's because he had a tremor in one hand AND he was walking strangely--not awkwardly as much as shuffling and sliding his feet along without picking them up.

This is a reply for Anne K particularly, but her post about her dad walking with a shuffling gait reminds me of this public service or fundraising commercial that used to run on TV about people being misdiagnosed with ALZ when in fact they had some completely reversible brain condition ... fluid build-up maybe? ... But the classic sign was this shuffling walk.

Did anyone else see that? Or recall what it was about?