Biomarkers could predict occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease

In a recent press release, researchers have reported the use of biomarkers to detect cognitive decline.

A group of researchers from John Hopkins University School of Medicine (MD, USA) have recently discovered that certain proteins in cerebral spinal fluid can predict cognitive decline, a symptom associated with the progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Lead researcher, Marilyn Albert explained the initiative behind the research, “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,” Albert continued, “The answer is yes.”

The study tested cerebral spinal fluid from samples collected over 10 years from the Biomarkers for Older Controls at Risk for Dementia project. This involved testing samples from 265 middle-aged healthy volunteers, in which three-quarters had a family history of AD.

The team measured the baseline ratio of two proteins, phosphorylated tau and beta amyloid in cerebral spinal fluid, which have been known for several years to be associated with advanced AD. It was reported that the ratio of these proteins can indicate whether a patient would develop AD 5 years before the onset of cognitive impairment. In addition, the team reported that the rate at which the levels of these two proteins changed was also predictive. Higher levels of phosphorylated tau, compared with that of phosphorylated beta amyloid, led to an increased probability of symptoms developing.

Although further validation is still required, if proven, this study could provide a guide to developing early drug treatments for the disease. In addition, this discovery could also be used to test drugs currently in the pipeline to observe whether they can reduce the levels of these two proteins.

Source: Johns Hopkins researchers identify biomarkers in spinal fluid.