Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease

Abstract

Biomarkers can be found with many kinds of tests. For instance, an MRI can measure changes in the brain that occur because of Alzheimer disease. These measurable changes, visible in the pictures of the brain taken during an MRI, are one kind of biomarkers. In another type of test, specialized radioactive (do not worry, it is safe) molecules are injected into the bloodstream. This highlights areas where a disease is most active. A measure of that activity is another form of biomarker. Some of these tests are easy to perform and to repeat, such as blood testing. Other tests such as a lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) are more difficult to perform and often need to be performed by a specialist. Recent research in Alzheimer disease has focused on testing for the presence of biomarkers in the blood. The reasons for this are simple: blood samples are relatively easy to collect, are minimally invasive, and can easily be used to follow-up an illness over time.

Biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

“…China will become the region with the largest and fastest-growing AD population in the world ( Mamun et al, 2020 ; Wu et al, 2021 ; Zhang et al, 2021 ; Hao et al, 2022 ). However, there is still a lack of effective drug treatment, and delayed intervention timing may be an important reason for poor drug trial results ( Karceski and Antonopoulos, 2023 ). If the disease can be diagnosed and treated before symptoms or irreversible pathology appears, unexpected results may be achieved.…”

“…If the disease can be diagnosed and treated before symptoms or irreversible pathology appears, unexpected results may be achieved. It is currently believed that AD is a continuous disease process from pathological changes to clinical symptoms, which is divided into three stages: preclinical AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD ( Karceski and Antonopoulos, 2023 ). Each stage has corresponding biomarkers as diagnostic criteria, so it is of great significance to carry out screening in the early stage of mild cognitive impairment in AD disease.…”