Plasma Proteomics Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease: Latest Advances and Challenges

The recent paradigm shift towards a more biologically oriented definition of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in clinical settings increases the need for sensitive biomarkers that can be applied in population-based settings. Blood plasma is easily accessible and contains a large number of proteins related to cerebral processes. It is therefore an ideal candidate for AD biomarker discovery. The present chapter provides an overview of the current research landscape in relation to blood-based AD biomarkers. Both clinical and methodological issues are covered. A brief summary is given on two relevant laboratory techniques to ascertain blood biomarker changes due to AD; methodological and clinical challenges in the field are also discussed.