We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Spinal Fluid Biomarkers Predict Cognitive Decline in Individuals with Familial Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 31 Oct 2013
Print article
Determination of two biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) allows prediction of development of cognitive impairment up to five years before appearance of symptoms in normal patients with familial risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Investigators at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA) measured beta-amyloid 1–42 (Abeta1–42), total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) proteins in CSF collected for the Biomarkers for Older Controls at Risk for Dementia (BIOCARD) project between 1995 and 2005, from 265 middle-aged healthy volunteers. Approximately three-quarters of this group had a close family member with Alzheimer’s disease, an indication of higher than normal risk of developing the disorder. Biochemical measurements and assessment of cognitive ability were repeated at yearly intervals.

Results revealed that the mean time from baseline to onset of mild cognitive symptoms was 5.41 years. This decline in cognitive ability was paralleled by increase in the levels of phosphorylated tau and beta amyloid found in CSF. The rate of change over time in the ratio of phosphorylated tau protein to beta amyloid was also predictive, with elevated p-tau indicating increased likelihood of development of cognitive symptoms.

“We wondered if we could measure something in the cerebral spinal fluid when people are cognitively normal to give us some idea of when they will develop difficulty,” said contributing author Dr. Marilyn Albert, professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University. “The answer is yes.”

“When we see patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, we do not say we will wait to treat you until you get congestive heart failure. Early treatments keep heart disease patients from getting worse, and it is possible the same may be true for those with presymptomatic Alzheimer’s. But it has been hard to see Alzheimer’s disease coming, even though we believe it begins developing in the brain a decade or more before the onset of symptoms.”

The investigators pointed out that the biomarker ratio at this point was not accurate enough to predict precisely whether a particular individual is progressing to dementia, and further analysis of information about the group over time is needed.

The study was published in the October 16, 2013, online edition of the journal Neurology.

Related Links:
Johns Hopkins University

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.