Methods: We developed evidence-based guidelines using
systematic literature searches, with specific criteria for the
selection and quality assessment of articles, and a clear
and transparent decision-making process. We selected articles
published from January 1996 to December 2005 that
dealt with the management of severe Alzheimer disease.
Subsequent to the conference, we searched for additional
articles published from January 2006 to March 2008 using
the same search terms. We graded the strength of the evidence
using the criteria of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive
Health Care.