Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease
At the second meeting of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia, a number of promising studies for disease diagnosis were presented. Early diagnosis is critical in this disease state for a number of reasons. Most obviously, it allows for commencement of therapy as soon as possible, before significant decline manifests. As well, such allows for future planning and advanced decision making among patients before they are no longer empowered to decide independently. It can also facilitate making long-term arrangements with family members and loved ones.
One study being underaken by DiaGenic ASA entails genetic testing for disease. Preliminary findings yield 86 percent sensitivity and 84 percent sensitivity.
University of Pennsylvania researchers are evaluating combined imaging power, using PET and MRI, for diagnosis. The two modalities, in concert, capture both blood flow patterns and brain atrophy. Using studies among patients with mild cognitive impairments, the team noted patterns indicative of disease. Comparisons with healthy and diseased subjects revealed one hundred percent diagnostic accuracy.
Meanwhile, clinicians from UCSF are examining a large patient cohort to pinpoint the constellation of factors to predict development of dementia. The bedside model correctly identifies disease with accuracy of 85 percent. This model may be an excellent first step for identifying at risk persons.
These studies, among others presented, yield promise for the future of diagnosing the crippling condition. As with the many other conditions more likely to occur with age, the aging of the baby boomers contributes to the need to rapidly identify diagnostic tools.
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June 11, 2007 Related topics: Psychiatry & Neurology