Predicting cognitive stage transition using p-tau181, Centiloid, and other measures.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomarker Research
• Cognitive Aging

Background:

• Predicting cognitive decline is crucial for early intervention.
• Plasma biomarkers, neuroimaging, and cognitive tests are potential predictors.
• Identifying effective combinations is key for accurate prognostication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combining plasma phospho-tau (p-tau), amyloid beta (Aβ)-PET, and other biomarkers in predicting cognitive stage transitions within three years.
• To identify key factors associated with cognitive stage transitions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 49 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 113 cognitively unimpaired (CU) participants from the KBASE-V study.
• Inclusion of Aβ-PET and brain imaging data.
• Assessment of plasma p-tau181, cognitive function tests (semantic fluency), and hippocampal volume.

Main Results:

• Older age, elevated plasma p-tau181, Aβ-PET positivity, and reduced semantic fluency independently predicted cognitive stage transitions.
• A combination model including age, p-tau181, Centiloid scale, semantic fluency, and hippocampal volume achieved high predictive value (AUC = 0.879).

Conclusions:

• Plasma p-tau181 and the Centiloid scale show potential for predicting cognitive stage transitions in non-dementia patients.
• Combining these biomarkers, or integrating them with others, improves predictive accuracy.
• Key factors influencing cognitive transitions were identified.