New Diagnosis Strategies Could Triple Alzheimer’s NumbersFor the first time in 25 years, scientists are looking to change the way Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed—and they’re seeking online comments from the research community and other stakeholders. Among the issues under discussion is updating diagnostic criteria, which could double or even triple the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Researchers propose establishing a diagnosis for “preclinical Alzheimer’s disease,” says the Alzheimer’s Association. This would be a new diagnostic category representing the earliest changes that occur even before mild cognitive impairment (MCI). “These preclinical criteria would currently be used only in research settings and not in medical practice,” says the association’s Web site, which is where individuals can post comments. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to establish the final recommendations and gather feedback.  “The NIA and the Alzheimer’s Association hope this process of updating and revising the diagnostic criteria with the latest advances will provide standards that move the field further in the direction of early detection and treatment,” says William H Thies, Ph.D., chief medical and scientific officer for the Alzheimer’s Association. View recommendations and submit comments. Read the press release about the proposed recommendations. See a CNN.com video report, “New Guidelines to Diagnose Alzheimer’s.” Feedback
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