Diagnostic Accuracy of Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid-β Isoforms for Early and Differential Dementia Diagnosis

Hanne Struyfs1, Bianca Van Broeck2, Maarten Timmers3

  • 1Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia (BIODEM), and Biobank, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Abstract

Insights

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) isoforms in cerebrospinal fluid improve the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) from other dementias. These Aβ isoforms enhance the diagnostic accuracy of existing AD biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker overlap between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-AD conditions limits diagnostic accuracy.
  • Amyloid-beta (Aβ) isoforms may offer improved differentiation between AD and non-AD pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic value of Aβ(1-37), Aβ(1-38), and Aβ(1-40) isoforms.
  • To compare their diagnostic utility against established AD CSF biomarkers: Aβ(1-42), T-tau, and P-tau(181P).

Main Methods:

  • CSF samples from 200 participants (50 AD dementia, 50 non-AD dementias, 50 mild cognitive impairment due to AD, 50 controls) were analyzed.
  • A prototype multiplex assay with MSD detection technology was employed.
  • Non-AD dementias included frontotemporal dementia (FTD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and vascular dementia.

Main Results:

  • Aβ(1-37) and Aβ(1-38) improved differentiation between AD and FTD or DLB.
  • Aβ(1-37), Aβ(1-38), and Aβ(1-40) correlated with cognitive status (MMSE) and disease duration in AD.
  • The Aβ(1-42)/Aβ(1-40) ratio enhanced the diagnostic performance of Aβ(1-42).
  • Lower Aβ(1-42) levels were observed in APOE ε4 carriers.

Conclusions:

  • Aβ isoforms are valuable in distinguishing AD from FTD and DLB.
  • These isoforms augment the diagnostic performance of Aβ(1-42).
  • Unlike Aβ(1-42), Aβ isoforms correlate with AD disease severity.
  • Incorporating Aβ isoforms into biomarker panels can enhance diagnostic accuracy for AD.

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