CSF Testing Indicated for Alzheimer’s
An international working group of experts in Alzheimer’s disease has revised the criteria for diagnosis of the disease. The group is calling for the addition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation with the p-Tau 231 CSF diagnostic test from Applied NeuroSolutions, Incorporated.
The group published their recommendations in next month’s issue of The Lancet Neurology. The new criteria are intended to improve the ability to detect disease at its earliest stages.
Modalities recommended to evaluate patients include cognitive assessment to detect memory impairment, MRI studies to evaluate neurological structures, and PET imaging to evaluate neurological molecular activity. Evaluation should further incorporate assessment of biomarkers, including the described CSF evaluation.
According to Applied NeuroSolutions, the sensitivity and specificity of their CSF test is well documented. Data indicated rates between 85 and 95 percent gathered from 15 published studies, all of which underwent peer review. The working group cited the higher specificity for Alzheimer’s disease with the CSF testing compared to degeneration to fronto-temporal areas noted on imaging studies.
These new diagnostic criteria will replace the existing set developed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. Those were initially published in 1984.
Related stories:
- MRI Predicts Degeneration of Memory
- Screening Tool for Memory Loss Validated
- Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease
- New Cognitive Testing Device Introduced for Seniors
July 30, 2007 Related topics: Laboratory Equipment, Psychiatry & Neurology