{"id":"76dfebc8-df5a-44b9-ba69-1c6ee7c515c6","slug":"closing-the-gap-between-research-techniques-and-clinical-practice-in-the-treatment-of-dementia","title":"Closing the gap between research techniques and clinical practice in the treatment of dementia","authors":["Alissa H. Wicklund","Moises Gaviria"],"abstract":"Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular disease are the most common causes of dementia in the elderly, affecting over 35 million individuals worldwide. Recent advancements in imaging techniques and biomarker identification have enhanced the understanding of the clinical and pathological hallmarks of dementia. However, these advanced tools are primarily utilized in research settings with limited clinical application. Methods: This article reviews the current state of imaging techniques such as MRI and PET, and their role in diagnosing and tracking dementia. It discusses the integration of biomarkers in identifying at-risk individuals and the challenges faced in standardizing these techniques for clinical use. The article also examines ongoing clinical trials aimed at validating these methods for broader clinical implementation. Results: The findings indicate that while neuroimaging and biomarker techniques show promise in diagnosing and staging dementia, significant barriers remain in their clinical adoption. Issues such as the lack of commercially available tools, lengthy analysis times, and insurance coverage limitations hinder widespread use. Programs like the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative are working towards validating these techniques for clinical trials. Conclusion: To bridge the gap between research and clinical practice in dementia treatment, a concerted effort is needed from imaging vendors, insurance companies, and professional societies. Standardization and validation of imaging techniques are crucial for their integration into clinical practice, which could ultimately enhance patient care and early intervention strategies. Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, neuroimaging, biomarkers, clinical practice, diagnosis, treatment, research","thumbnailUrl":null,"publishDate":"2011-11-19T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.90030","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3675/SNI-2-168.pdf"}