ATN profile classification across two independent prospective cohorts

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomarker Research
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The ATN model is a framework for assessing Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology using biomarkers.
• Quantitative imaging biomarkers are crucial for defining AD presence or absence in individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of different ATN profiles in two independent cohorts using quantitative imaging biomarkers.
• To assess the utility of ATN biomarkers in identifying comparable subject populations across independent cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Two independent cohorts (Geneva and Zurich) underwent amyloid (A) and tau (T) PET, and MRI scans.
• Subjects were classified as cognitively unimpaired (CU) or impaired (CI).
• Biomarkers for A, T, and neurodegeneration (N) were quantified, and subjects were categorized using the ATN model.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of normal (A-T-N-) and AD continuum (A+) profiles differed significantly between cohorts (29% vs. 64% normal; 63% vs. 16% AD continuum).
• ATN profiles showed significant differences in age and cognitive scores within cohorts.
• Differences in A and T biomarkers between cohorts disappeared when stratified by ATN profile, unlike N biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• Stratifying subjects by ATN profiles creates comparable groups, irrespective of differing recruitment criteria.
• The ATN model, with quantitative imaging biomarkers, enhances consistency in subject selection for AD research across cohorts.