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Visualization of Amyloid β Deposits in the Human Brain with Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry
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Plasma beta-amyloid and white matter lesions in AD, MCI, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy

M E Gurol1, M C Irizarry, E E Smith

  • 1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

Neurology
|January 13, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Plasma beta-amyloid 40 is linked to white matter hyperintensity, a marker of brain injury in elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease or cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Biochemistry
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Microvascular brain injury, indicated by white matter hyperintensity (WMH) on MRI, contributes to cognitive decline in older adults.
  • Emerging research suggests circulating beta-amyloid peptide may play a role in microvascular dysfunction and white matter disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma beta-amyloid concentrations and the extent of white matter hyperintensity (WMH).
  • To explore the relationship in individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 54 subjects with AD/MCI and 42 subjects with CAA.
  • Quantified WMH using computer-assisted volumetric measurement (nWMH).
  • Measured plasma concentrations of beta-amyloid 40 (Abeta40) and beta-amyloid 42 (Abeta42) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Main Results:

  • Plasma Abeta40 concentrations were significantly associated with nWMH in both AD/MCI and CAA groups (p < 0.005).
  • This association remained independent of confounders including age, hypertension, diabetes, and APOE genotype.
  • Lacunar infarctions were also linked to increased plasma Abeta40.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma Abeta40 concentration is independently associated with WMH in individuals with AD, MCI, or CAA.
  • Circulating beta-amyloid peptide may serve as a novel biomarker or risk factor for microvascular damage in common elderly diseases.
  • Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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