Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnostic Guidelines Updated

For the first time in almost 30 years, clinical diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease have been revised. Experts say this could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of the disease. According to the National Institute of Health, the updated guidelines cover the full spectrum of the disease as it changes over time. “They describe the earliest preclinical stages of the disease, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia due to Alzheimer’s pathology. Importantly, the guidelines now address the use of imaging and biomarkers in blood and spinal fluid that may help determine whether changes in the brain and those in body fluids are due to Alzheimer’s disease.”