Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined as amyloid plaques, tau tangles and degeneration of nerve cells in the brain leading to memory problems, cognitive decline and dementia. Currently, there are no treatments that slow the progression of AD, but a number of treatments are in late-stage clinical trials and some appear promising.
The role of brain scans
CT and MRI are able to detect brain shrinkage resulting from neurodegeneration. Hippocampal and temporoparietal atrophy is consistent with more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease but MRI lacks both sensitivity and specificity. During the past decade amyloid PET scans and more recently tau PET scans provide molecular specificity for diagnosis. However, the high cost of PET scans, and the failure of Medicare and insurers to provide reimbursement have greatly limited the use of these diagnostic methods.
The role of blood…
