Neuroimmunology
Acquired sensory neuronopathies
Apr. 07, 2024
MedLink®, LLC
3525 Del Mar Heights Rd, Ste 304
San Diego, CA 92130-2122
Toll Free (U.S. + Canada): 800-452-2400
US Number: +1-619-640-4660
Support: service@medlink.com
Editor: editor@medlink.com
ISSN: 2831-9125
Toll Free (U.S. + Canada): 800-452-2400
US Number: +1-619-640-4660
Support: service@medlink.com
Editor: editor@medlink.com
ISSN: 2831-9125
Worddefinition
At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas.
11.04.2024
Today, Prof. Howard Feldman presented revised diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer disease at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) Conference in Madrid on behalf of the International Working Group (IWG).
The IWG, led by Professor Bruno Dubois and Dr Nicolas Villain (Hôpital universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière-Sorbonne Université, Paris, France), Professor Howard Feldman (University of California, San Diego, USA) and Professor Giovanni Frisoni (Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland) and comprised of 46 International experts from 17 countries, including a representative of Alzheimer Europe, reviewed the available evidence on the role and influence of biomarkers on the diagnosis and definition of Alzheimer disease.
The IWG proposed a number of important recommendations which were published today in parallel to this presentation in the Journal of the American Medical Association – Neurology (JAMA Neurology):
When presenting these recommendations, Professor Feldman highlighted: “The recommendations of the IWG that are published today advocate for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease as being one that is established clinically with support from biomarkers which reflect disease pathology. We consider that on their own these biomarkers reflect varying levels of risk of developing disease in people without clinical symptoms.”
In its recommendations, the IWG also takes a position on the recently published “Revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer’s disease” of the Alzheimer’s Association Workgroup. The IWG highlights that a purely biological definition of Alzheimer disease, which extends a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease to cognitively normal people with one core biomarker, could lead to false positives and people potentially living with a label of Alzheimer disease without ever developing any symptoms (patients-in-waiting) with large societal ramifications. Dr Nicolas Villain commented: “As our understanding of Alzheimer disease evolves, the advancements in biomarkers are allowing for earlier diagnosis, even before symptoms appear. However, it’s crucial to emphasise that our main focus should be on the potential future risks of cognitive decline associated with these biomarkers, rather than just the biological changes themselves.”
Professor Dubois added: “These recommendations are the collaborative effort of 46 international experts who emphasise that diagnosing Alzheimer disease should primarily rely on clinical evaluation supported by biomarkers. Importantly, we are distinguishing between two groups: those who show typical Alzheimer disease symptoms and have positive biomarkers are diagnosed with the disease, while those who have positive biomarkers but no typical Alzheimer disease symptoms are considered at risk. This distinction is crucial as it paves the way for more targeted research, risk assessment, and the development of personalised treatments for those at risk.”
The IWG also stressed the importance of continued research on asymptomatic people at risk of AD to better understand and measure individual risks. Professor Frisoni commented: “Further developing brain health services for the prevention of dementia could lead to better evaluation of risk, communication of risk and risk reduction strategies targeting modifiable risk factors.”
Jean Georges, the Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe and one of the co-authors welcomed the recommendations: “The IWG recommendations are in line with Alzheimer Europe’s current position against routine biomarker testing for diagnostic purposes in individuals without any cognitive symptoms. Labeling people who test positive for amyloid as having preclinical Alzheimer disease may have significant negative psychological consequences. Instead, we would recommend disclosing an individual’s risk, ensuring that appropriate support, counseling, and tailored risk reduction plans are provided to help them process and manage this information.”
Source: News Release
Alzheimer Europe
November 1, 2024
MedLink®, LLC
3525 Del Mar Heights Rd, Ste 304
San Diego, CA 92130-2122
Toll Free (U.S. + Canada): 800-452-2400
US Number: +1-619-640-4660
Support: service@medlink.com
Editor: editor@medlink.com
ISSN: 2831-9125