NIH State-of-the-Science Conference - Draft Consensus

The draft consensus statement is out and underscores the uncertainty behind the diagnosis of Alzheimer's and theories on prevention of Alzheimer's and,more generally, any cognitive decline.  Some excerpts from the Conclusions portion of the draft statement:

• There is an absence of highly reliable consensus-based diagnostic criteria for both cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, and the available criteria have not been uniformly applied
  

• Firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the association of modifiable risk factors with cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease

• There is insufficient evidence to support the use of pharmaceutical agents or dietary supplements to prevent cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease

• Large scale population-based studies and RCTs are critically needed...

The level of uncertainty expressed seems appropriate to me.  The level of complexity of definitions and risk factors makes me wonder how successful any scientific studies can be.

The panel is taking public comment this morning, then will issue a final statement at 2 pm eastern today.

Comments

[richard taylor]

Hello

As I read this report, and the press release of the Natinal Alzheime's Association I found myself sobbing! I thought I had settled these issues for myself and I already knew the answers. Turns out I knew the answers but seeing them in writing from the NIH was numbing for me. Amazing how we can trick ourselves into b eleiving we are okay with not being okay. It's just okay to have dementia! Richaqrd

[Mona Johnson]

Richard, I think this report had the same emotional impact on a lot of people - thanks for putting it into words.