Debate Continues Over Early Cognition Screening : Some argue that obtaining a timely baseline could offset subsequent delays in diagnosing Alzheimer's.

There had once been a similar debate over the utility of screening for cholesterol, he said. Now there is a consensus on how and when to measure lipids, the definition of normal cholesterol levels, and the benefits and risks of treatment.

“I have no doubt that we will get there with Alzheimer's disease at some point; we're simply not there yet,” Dr. Thies said.