Are Biomarkers Valid as Surrogates for Treatment Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Abstract

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, involves neuropsychological testing, limited laboratory tests and brain imaging. Current therapeutic options for AD are symptomatic treatments that target dysfunctional neurotransmitters associated with the disorder. Recent research has focused on therapeutic strategies that inhibit the production and aggregation of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in plaques and increase its clearance from the brain. Such strategies are likely to be most effective at pre-clinical stages of the disease, before widespread synaptic and neuronal loss occurs. Thus, there is a need for biomarkers that predict disease course and outcome and monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy. The development of such biomarkers for AD is critical to translating the efficacy of new therapies. KeywordsAlzheimer's disease, amyloid beta protein (Aβ), biomarkers, neurochemical, neuroimaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), apolipoprotein E genotype, surrogate end-points Disclosure: The author has no conflicts of interest to declare. Key symposia:Autoimmune disorders of the peripheral nervous system and muscle Small vessel diseases: an increasing health problemThe borderland of epilepsy Hot topics in movement disordersNew treatment trials and emerging therapeutic targets in MS The congress programme includes 23 teaching courses, 11 workshops organised by the ENS subcommittees, practical breakfast sessions in clinical neurophysiology, interactive case presentation sessions and selected scientific sessions in the form of oral sessions, poster sessions and satellite symposia. Abstract Submission Deadline