A NEW clinical practice guideline released by the Alzheimer’s Association is set to revolutionize how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed in specialized care. The guideline, unveiled at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025 in Toronto, emphasizes the use of blood-based biomarker (BBM) tests to assess Alzheimer’s pathology in individuals with cognitive impairment. This is the first evidence-based recommendation for utilizing blood tests as part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach to Alzheimer’s disease.
The guideline, developed by a panel of expert clinicians, outlines two key recommendations for the application of BBM tests in the diagnostic workup of Alzheimer’s disease. The first recommends the use of blood tests with a sensitivity of 90% or higher as a triaging tool, where a negative result can reliably rule out Alzheimer’s pathology. The second recommendation advises the use of highly sensitive and specific tests as confirmatory tools, potentially replacing more costly and invasive procedures like PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
“These guidelines are a significant step forward in Alzheimer’s care,” said Maria C. Carrillo, chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “For the first time, clinicians have a clear, evidence-based framework to confidently integrate blood biomarker tests into their diagnostic process. This will lead to earlier, more accurate diagnoses and ultimately better outcomes for patients.”
However, the guideline also cautions that not all blood-based tests meet the rigorous standards set forth, and healthcare providers are urged to be mindful of variability in test accuracy. The guideline underscores that while BBM tests provide a less invasive, more accessible diagnostic option, they must always be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
The guideline’s recommendations are rooted in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, ensuring transparency and scientific rigor. The primary audience for the guidelines includes specialists in neurology, geriatrics, and psychiatry, as well as primary care providers involved in dementia care.
The Alzheimer’s Association plans to release additional clinical practice guidelines in the coming years, addressing topics such as cognitive assessment tools, clinical staging criteria, and dementia prevention strategies. This comprehensive effort is part of ALZPro™, the Alzheimer’s Association’s hub for resources, clinical tools, and educational materials aimed at enhancing Alzheimer’s care.
Reference:
Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s Association Releases Its First Clinical Practice Guideline for Blood-Based Biomarker Tests. 2025. Available at: https://aaic.alz.org/releases-2025/clinical-practice-guideline-blood-based-biomarkers.asp. Last accessed: 4 August 2025.
