The Importance of Nosology in Narrowing Dementia Diagnoses and Genetics

Nosology refers to the concept of science where names and classifications are assigned to disease. As a quite diverse aspect of the medical system in the United States, often involving international support, those who specialize in nosology find there is confusion and frustration in their field of expertise.

One aspect of growing frustration among many nosology professionals involves the classification and identification of diseases as they relate to dementia and aging. Specifically, there is concern over the classification of dementia, and conditions such as Alzheimer's, and how best to classify these when genetic origin is confirmed.

Because there is much confusion over the genetic factor in diagnosing and classifying dementia complications, the nosology can be equally as confusing. Once nosology is established, the geneticists must be careful to identify accurate neuropsychiatric guidelines in order to differentiate specific genetically-based types of dementia from those that are not genetic related.

For example, with Alzheimer's disease, there are four genes that have been confirmed as contriubting to the development of Alzheimer's, with most attributing to early-onset development. Since there are other genes suspected in the development of Alzheimer's disease, nosology will be vitally important to ensuring each type is classified appropriately.

Nosology plays a vital role in diagnosing a patient and, ultimately, may determine treatment plans. Without proper classification in disease, conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease can be easily misdiagnosed, resulting in missed treatment opportunities. As a result, many genetic specialists are looking to specific symptoms, unique to each dementia related condition, on which to use nosology and classify, or name, the particular complication.