Predicting Conversion to Alzheimer Disease Using Standardized Clinical Information

Abstract

PATIENTS WITH memory complaints are often arrayed along a continuum from normal function through varying degrees of impairment. A crucial question for patients and clinicians evaluating these patients is to what extent these complaints are the harbinger of Alzheimer disease (AD). Two scales are commonly used for staging AD^1,2 and both include ratings for individuals who are considered questionable (ie, have progressive difficulty with cognitive function but do not meet clinical research criteria for AD). Several research groups have initiated longitudinal studies in which individuals meeting criteria for this questionable stage have been recruited and followed up to determine preclinical predictors of AD. However, the longitudinal outcome of persons rated as questionable for AD remains unclear.