Early Detection of Incipient Alzheimer Pathology

With the possible advent of disease-modifying treatments by targeting β-amyloid metabolism or deposition, it becomes crucial to identify individuals at risk for Alzheimer dementia as early as possible, preferably before the onset of overt cognitive impairment. Accessibility of screening tools in underserved areas will be important, despite a lack of neurologic or neuropsychological expertise. Long wait times, which are now common for dementia specialist care, will become even more unacceptable if the wait means delaying a disease-modifying treatment. Given the prevalence of Alzheimer disease and related disorders, such screening is likely to place high demands on the medical system.