Caution Advised on New Alzheimer Tests

Alzheimer's Association
Friday, 29 March 1996

New tests purported to assist in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease must be approached with caution, and their possible use should be thoroughly discussed by families with their physicians, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Athena Neurosciences, Inc. announced the commercial availability of the tests at a meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. One of the tests measures levels of certain proteins in cerebrospinal fluid, the other shows which versions of the apolipoprotein (APOE) gene a person has.

"We don't yet know for certain how to interpret these tests, or how useful they will be in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease," said Edward Truschke, Association president and CEO. "The decision to use these tests must be made by physicians who treat people with dementia," Truschke said. "They can explain to families the testing procedures, and the potential costs and benefits."

The Association's Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute plans to assemble a panel of scientists to advise the medical community and the public on the utility of various diagnostic approaches.

According to Truschke, the Association supports the development of diagnostic tests that will increase the accuracy of Alzheimer diagnosis and decrease the time and cost associated with testing. "The Association, through its support of research, has stimulated research designed to develop methods for earlier, more accurate diagnosis," Truschke said.

Early diagnosis enables families to better examine care options and plan for their legal and financial needs. It also can help identify people best suited to participate in Alzheimer research trials. The goal of the Reagan Institute, launched by the Association in November 1995, is to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments and preventions for Alzheimer's disease by increasing information exchange, technology transfer and alliances among investigators.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org