Time Is Hiding Something

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), changes in the brain begin years before symptoms appear1,2

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), changes in the brain begin years before symptoms appear1,2

Uncover more below
Time is of the essence
Take a closer look at advanced diagnostics

By testing for evidence of the underlying pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, advanced diagnostics may help increase your certainty in making a diagnosis22-24

Beta-amyloid PET scan

Used to estimate beta-amyloid neuritic plaque density22,23

CSF Assay

Collected to determine changes in amyloid beta42 and tau* protein levels22,23†

In combination with clinical assessment, these diagnostic tests may be used when appropriate. However, a positive test does not establish a definitive AD diagnosis.22,23

*Total tau and phosphorylated tau.22

†While CSF amyloid and tau levels are available clinically, continued standardization efforts are needed to minimize potential variability in results.25

PET=positron emission tomography; CSF=cerebrospinal fluid.

PARTICIPATION IN THE IDEAS STUDY MAY PROVIDE ACCESS TO A BETA-AMYLOID PET SCAN FOR QUALIFIED PATIENTS

Led by the Alzheimer’s Association and managed by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network, the Imaging Dementia—Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) Study is a research study designed to determine the clinical usefulness and impact on patient-oriented outcomes of a brain PET scan that detects amyloid plaques. As a part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) research program, eligible patients meeting certain AD diagnostic criteria who are referred to participating imaging sites by qualified dementia specialists may receive reimbursement for one scan. Deductibles and co-pays may still apply.26

Learn more about the IDEAS Study
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References:

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2. Alzheimer’s Association. 2016 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2016-facts-and-figures.pdf. Published 2016. Accessed July 22, 2016.
3. Hyman BT, Phelps CH, Beach TG, et al. National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer’s Association guidelines for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2012;8(1):1-13.
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18. Kansagara D, Freeman M. A systematic evidence review of the signs and symptoms of dementia and brief cognitive tests available in VA. VA-ESP Project #05-225; 2010. http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/esp/dementia.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2016.
19. Borson S, Scanlan JM, Chen P, Ganguli M. The Mini-Cog as a screen for dementia: validation in a population-based sample. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003;51(10):1451-1454. 20. Brodaty H, Pond D, Kemp NM, et al. The GPCOG: a new screening test for dementia designed for general practice. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2002;50(3):530-534. 21. Selkoe DJ, Lansbury PJ Jr. Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. In: Siegel GJ, Agranoff BW, Albers RW, et al, eds. Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven; 1999. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27944/. Accessed July 7, 2016.
22. McKhann GM, Knopman DS, Chertkow H, et al. The diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease: recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2011;7(3):263-269.
23. Budson AE, Solomon PR. New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment for the practical neurologist. Pract Neurol. 2012;12(2):88-96.
24. Johnson KA, Minoshima S, Bohnen NI, et al. Appropriate use criteria for amyloid PET: a report of the Amyloid Imaging Task Force, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimers Dement. 2013;9(1):e1-e16.
25. Shaw LM, Vanderstichele H, Knapik-Czajka M, et al; for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarker signature in Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative subjects. Ann Neurol. 2009;65(4):403-13.
26. Imaging Dementia-Evidence for Amyloid Scanning. http://www.ideas-study.org. Accessed August 2, 2016.