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EFNS guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease

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Hort, J., O’Brien, J. T., Gainotti, G., Pirttila, T., Popescu, B. O., Rektorova, I., Sorbi, S., Scheltens, P. +1 more·2010·European Journal of Neurology
DOI 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03040.x
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Abstract

Background and objectives: In 2008 a task force was set up to develop a revision of the European Federation of the Neurological Societies (EFNS) guideline for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other disorders associated with dementia, published in early 2007. The aim of this revised international guideline was to present a peer‐reviewed evidence‐based statement for the guidance of practice for clinical neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, and other specialist physicians responsible for the care of patients with AD. Mild cognitive impairment and non‐Alzheimer dementias are not included in this guideline. Methods: The task force working group reviewed evidence from original research articles, meta‐analysis, and systematic reviews, published before May 2009. The evidence was classified and consensus recommendations graded (A, B, or C) according to the EFNS guidance. Where there was a lack of evidence, but clear consensus, good practice points were provided. Results: The recommendations for clinical diagnosis, blood tests, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, electroencephalography, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, genetic testing, disclosure of diagnosis, treatment of AD, behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia, legal issues, counselling and support for caregivers were all revised as compared with the previous EFNS guideline. Conclusion: A number of new recommendations and good practice points are made, namely in CSF, neuropsychology, neuroimaging and reviewing non‐evidence based therapies. The assessment, interpretation, and treatment of symptoms, disability, needs, and caregiver stress during the course of AD require the contribution of many different professionals. These professionals should adhere to these guideline to improve the diagnosis and management of AD.

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  • Plasma apoE should not be considered an independent biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of dementia, which at the moment requires a full panel of clinical examinations and tests.

    “In contrast, it should not be considered to be an independent biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of dementia, which at the moment requires a full panel of clinical examinations and tests [99].”

    From Plasma levels of apolipoprotein E, APOE genotype and risk of dementia and ischemic heart disease: A review (2016) · cites this paper as [99]

    The Genetic testing and Recommendations for diagnosis sections say ApoE genotyping is not useful or recommended for routine diagnosis, and the Recommendations for diagnosis section calls for clinical history, cognitive assessment, and physical examination. They do not assess plasma ApoE levels as a biomarker; genotyping and measuring plasma ApoE are different tests. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The APOE polymorphism is by far the strongest genetic risk factor implicated in common late-onset Alzheimer disease.

    “The APOE polymorphism is by far the strongest genetic risk factor that has been implicated in common late-onset Alzheimer disease [99].”

    From Plasma levels of apolipoprotein E, APOE genotype and risk of dementia and ischemic heart disease: A review (2016) · cites this paper as [99]

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Authors
Hort, J., O’Brien, J. T., Gainotti, G., Pirttila, T., Popescu, B. O., Rektorova, I., Sorbi, S., Scheltens, P., & Dementia, O. B. O. T. E. S. P. O.
Affiliations
  • Charles University (CZ)
  • Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (IT)
  • Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
  • University of Florence (IT)
  • Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL)
Corresponding author
Hort, J.
ORCID
Venue
European Journal of Neurology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2010-09-13
Volume
17
Issue
10
Pages
1236-1248
ISSN
  • 1351-5101 (ISSN-L)
  • 1468-1331
DOI
10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03040.x
OpenAlex
W2113976466
Cited by
490
References
15
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 26 · 2020: 34 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 23 · 2017: 34 · 2016: 35 · 2015: 43 · 2014: 53 · 2013: 43 · 2012: 28
FWCI
23.99
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • European Journal of Neurology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Amsterdam UMC (VU Amsterdam) - Institutional Repository (publishedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (acceptedVersion)
  • Digital Academic REpository of VU University Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) (submittedVersion)
  • Florence Research (University of Florence) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
Funders
Cilag
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Alzheimer's disease research and treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Neurology › Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
Keywords
Alzheimer's disease, dementia diagnosis, dementia management, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, neuropsychological assessment, neuroimaging, EEG, genetic testing, diagnosis disclosure, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, caregiver support
MeSH terms
Alzheimer Disease, Diagnosis, Differential, Diagnostic Imaging, Diagnostic Tests, Routine, Humans, Neuropharmacology, Neuropsychological Tests, Nursing, Team, Caregivers, Czech Republic, Nootropic Agents, Advisory Committees, Physical Therapy Modalities, Early Diagnosis

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