The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association have revised their definition of Alzheimer’s disease so that it can be diagnosed before patients begin showing signs of dementia—the first revision in 27 years. The new guidelines include methods to test biomarkers like cerebral spine fluid, which will sometimes allow doctors to determine Alzheimer’s risk before symptoms appear. The Washington Post says the changes could “at least double” the number of Alzheimer’s diagnoses.
