While Medicare does not provide health insurance for working adults, such a diagnosis could lead to Medicare disability coverage.
"In this case, a [PET amyloid scan] with positive evidence for Alzheimer’s would in fact save everyone a lot of angst and expense, and the patient could be properly managed in terms of disability," Dr. Caselli said. "Further, young patients with altered mental status may have other serious illnesses, such as autoimmune encephalopathy, so having access to such a scan might save someone trials of steroids or other immunosuppressive agents."
CMS is accepting public comment on the draft recommendation through Aug. 3.
Dr. Caselli has no financial disclosures.