Translating NIA‐AA criteria into usual practice: Report from the ReDeMa Project

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONBiomarker‐informed criteria were proposed for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association (NIA‐AA) in 2011; however, the adequacy of this criteria has not been sufficiently evaluated.METHODSReDeMa (Red de Demencias de Madrid) is a regional cohort of patients attending memory and neurology clinics. Core cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were obtained, NIA‐AA diagnostic criteria were considered, and changes in diagnosis and management were evaluated.RESULTSA total of 233 patients were analyzed (mean age 70 years, 50% women, 73% AD). The diagnostic language was modified significantly, with a majority assumption of NIA‐AA definitions (69%). Confidence in diagnosis increased from 70% to 92% (p < 0.0005) and management was changed in 71% of patient/caregivers. The influence of neurologist's age or expertise on study results was minimal.DISCUSSIONThe NIA‐AA criteria are adequate and utile for usual practice in memory and neurology clinics, improving diagnostic confidence and significantly modifying patient management.HIGHLIGHTS Alzheimer's disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers increase diagnostic certainty regardless of the neurologist. AD CSF biomarkers lead to changes in disease management . Biomarker‐enriched, 2011 NIA‐AA diagnostic criteria are adequate for usual practice.