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In 22% of the positive-scan cases, physicians reported that they would change their recommendations on activities of daily living, like driving, working, and handling finances. For 16%, they would recommend enrolling in a clinical trial.
But, "these are records of intended management ... This is not the same as having hard data on physicians’ actual actions," Dr. Pearson pointed out.
Not all patient benefits can be quantified in a research study, said William Thies, Ph.D., medical director of the Alzheimer’s Association. Though it may seem intangible, the "value of knowing" can save patients and families time, money, and grief.
"It’s quite clear that many Alzheimer’s patients had a very prolonged period in which their diagnosis was in question. But when they look for answers, they’re given all sorts of vague diagnoses and tortured for many years until they finally learn they have Alzheimer’s. A test that helps us identify those people early can ease their anxiety, eliminate a long expensive period of diagnostic procedures, and result in profound benefits with regard to long-term disability insurance and planning for their future. They have an ability to come to some kind of closure and move on with the important issues they need to address."
But panel members said they needed more hard facts.
"I have no doubt that it detects amyloid, just as it’s intended to do," said Dr. Jeffrey W. Cozzens of the Southern Illinois University of Medicine, Carbondale. "And I’d like to see Medicare cover it for patients in clinical trials. But I need more real – not theoretical – data in order to fully support it."
None of the MEDCAC panel members, nor any other clinicians mentioned in this article, had any financial disclosures.