Comparison of International Working Group criteria and National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association criteria for Alzheimer's disease

Two sets of research criteria for Alzheimer's disease are now available: those published by an International Working Group in 2007, and the recommendations published by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) in 2011. They both provide guidelines for the diagnosis of asymptomatic and symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The coexistence of two sets of criteria for the same disorder raises the question of which set of criteria should be preferred. A comparison of the criteria revealed differences in approach, terminology, and use of cognitive markers and biomarkers. Most persons who meet the International Working Group criteria will also meet the NIA-AA criteria and vice versa. However, the NIA-AA criteria allow for a subclassification of persons based on biomarker results within each diagnostic category. Further research is needed to validate the criteria. Modifications are likely to be made before the criteria can be used in daily practice.