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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
09:22
In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein
Published on: January 2, 2015
Increasing CSF phospho-tau levels during cognitive decline and progression to dementia
Christin Andersson1, Kaj Blennow, Ove Almkvist
1Department of Neurobiology, Caring Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. christin.andersson@ki.se
Neurobiology of Aging
|May 22, 2007
Summary
Elevated phospho-tau (P-tau) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicates neurodegeneration progression in patients with cognitive decline. This finding suggests P-tau may serve as a valuable biomarker for tracking disease advancement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomarker Research
- Cognitive Decline Studies
Background:
- Longitudinal changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers during cognitive decline are not well understood.
- Investigating these changes is crucial for understanding neurodegenerative disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine longitudinal changes in CSF biomarkers: total-tau (T-tau), phospho-tau (P-tau), and beta-amyloid (Abeta42).
- To correlate these biomarker changes with cognitive decline over time.
Main Methods:
- Study included 40 memory clinic patients (mean age 61.3 years) with varying baseline cognitive function.
- Patients underwent lumbar puncture and neuropsychological testing at two time points.
- Participants were categorized into severely impaired (SIM), moderately impaired (MIM), and no impairment (NIM) groups.
Main Results:
- The SIM group showed a significant increase in P-tau over time; P-tau levels remained stable in MIM and NIM groups.
- 83% of SIM patients progressed to dementia (80% Alzheimer's disease), while most MIM and NIM patients did not.
- T-tau and Abeta42 levels did not change significantly across any groups.
Conclusions:
- Rising P-tau levels correlate with cognitive decline and dementia conversion.
- P-tau shows potential as a longitudinal biomarker for neurodegenerative processes.
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