Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
04:22
Biomarker Identification for Gender Specificity of Alzheimer's Disease Based on the Glial Transcriptome Profiles
Published on: May 20, 2024
Biological markers in Alzheimer's disease
1Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Summary
Biomarkers are crucial for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and monitoring its progression. Current CSF biomarkers like p-TAU and A-beta show promise, but non-invasive tests are needed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Biomarkers are essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and monitoring Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression.
- Current diagnostic tools include neuropsychological and imaging markers, but biomarkers may offer more sensitive insights.
- Biomarkers can also elucidate the mechanisms of anti-dementia drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and future needs for biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and progression monitoring.
- To highlight the limitations of existing biomarkers and the urgent requirement for novel, non-invasive approaches.
- To discuss potential biological rationales for developing new AD biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.
- Analysis of current diagnostic criteria and monitoring techniques.
- Discussion of candidate biomarker categories including neuropathology, neural degeneration, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Elevated cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated TAU (CSF p-TAU) and low CSF ABeta(1-42) are currently the most sensitive and specific biomarkers for early AD diagnosis.
- There is an urgent need for non-CSF-based biomarkers, particularly non-invasive ones using serum or urine.
- Candidate markers are being explored under four biological rationales, but results are largely inconclusive, necessitating further research and specimen collection.
Conclusions:
- CSF p-TAU and A-beta are valuable for early AD diagnosis but are invasive.
- Development of non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring disease progression is critical.
- A panel of biomarkers and standardized collection of biological specimens are vital for future AD research and development.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.