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. 2010 May 7;2(2):11.
doi: 10.1186/alzrt34.

Con: Can neuropathology really confirm the exact diagnosis?

Kurt A Jellinger  1
Affiliations

Con: Can neuropathology really confirm the exact diagnosis?

Kurt A Jellinger. Alzheimers Res Ther. .

Abstract

Clinical diagnostic accuracy using revised consensus criteria and newly developed biomarkers ranges from 65 to 96% for Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a diagnostic specificity versus other dementias of 23 to 88%. Neuropathological assessment using molecular biology and immunohistochemistry, homogeneous definitions, harmonized interlaboratory methods, and assessment standards can identify 54 to 97% of AD cases and can eliminate 62 to 100% of nondemented subjects, but only between 8 and 42% of non-AD dementias, without, however, being able to clarify the etiology of most of these disorders. The value and pitfalls of pathological diagnostic criteria are critically discussed.

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