How common is Alzheimer's disease, really? - Big Question - Salon.com

Those opening up the science section of their newspapers this morning may have been shocked to read that diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease could doubleunder new guidelines approved today by the Alzheimer's Association and U.S. National Institute of Aging. But there's little reason to worry about the potential spike in diagnosis, and several reasons for optimism.

Under the newly issued criteria, Alzheimer's classification now exists as a spectrum, where dementia marks the acute, terminal stage of the disease. A second, less severe stage now included under the Alzheimer's umbrella is a condition called Mild Cognitive Impairment -- a disease that sometimes, but not always, signals Alzheimer's. Finally, at the earliest stage of the disease is something called the pre-clinical phase. During this phase, biological markers could signify a nascent presence of the disease, even though no outward symptoms exist.

Maria Carrillo is senior director of medical and scientific relations at theAlzheimer's Association. We spoke with Dr. Carrillo this afternoon about the rationale for the guideline shift, and how it could help researchers identify and treat Alzheimer's at earlier stages in its development -- and even eventually prevent the disease.

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