There is a debate in the Alzheimer’s research community about expanding the disease’s definition to include older adults at a higher risk of dementia, but who currently do not have memory problems.
According to some researchers, the answer is yes. A panel of experts discussed a proposal to expand the disease’s definition to millions of older adults who test positive for high levels of amyloid or tau proteins at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. This proposal would classify these individuals as having stage 1 Alzheimer’s. If they develop neurobehavioral difficulties such as depression or anxiety, they would move on to stage 2. Mild cognitive changes would place them at stage 3.
While this plan could be published and approved soon, some experts are concerned about the potential for overdiagnosis and the risks of initiation of treatments with limited benefit and potential for harm, as well as the possibility of discrimination against those with a dementia diagnosis by employers or insurers. The proposal has also been criticized for conflicts of interest within the working group that suggested the change.
On the other hand, proponents believe that early diagnosis and treatment of older adults with elevated protein levels could lead to better outcomes and benefit from new drugs. Blood tests are now accurate enough to detect higher levels of proteins involved in the diagnosis.
The debate raises concerns about the potential risks and benefits of expanding the definition of Alzheimer’s, as well as the need for further research and exploration into the diagnostic criteria for the disease.
