Experiences with cerebrospinal fluid analysis in Dutch memory clinics

Background: Evidence on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis to demonstrate Alzheimer's disease has not yet been implemented in diagnostic guidelines.

Methods: We investigated the use of CSF analysis in a survey amongst all known memory clinics in the Netherlands, of which 85 of 113 (75.2%) responded.

Results: Sixty per cent of respondents used CSF analysis in 5% (median) of patients. The analysis almost always confirmed the working diagnosis in 68.4% and sometimes changed it in 28.2%. Complications occurred very infrequently (0%, median) and were mild. Reasons not to perform CSF analysis included the lack of clear recommendations in diagnostic guidelines.

Conclusions: These results ask for a guideline update to clarify the use of CSF analysis as an add-on diagnostic method.