Fluid Biomarkers in Dementia Diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomarker Research
• Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background:

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are established for diagnosing Alzheimer disease, Lewy body dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
• The recent FDA approval of monoclonal antibody therapy for Alzheimer disease necessitates accurate biomarker confirmation.
• Emerging blood-based biomarkers are rapidly evolving for dementia diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To familiarize neurologists with current CSF and plasma biomarkers for dementia diagnosis.
• To inform treatment decisions based on biomarker-confirmed diagnoses.
• To highlight the evolving landscape of dementia diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Review of established CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer disease, Lewy body dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
• Analysis of emerging blood-based biomarkers for dementia diagnosis.
• Discussion of the role of biomarkers in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring therapy efficacy.

Main Results:

• CSF biomarkers are well-established for specific dementias.
• Blood-based biomarkers show improving sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis.
• A new CSF assay for aggregated α-synuclein aids in diagnosing Lewy body dementia.

Conclusions:

• Biomarkers are increasingly crucial for accurate dementia diagnosis and personalized treatment.
• Blood-based biomarkers are essential for monitoring treatment efficacy, addressing an unmet need.
• Continued research into fluid biomarkers will advance dementia care and management.