Integrating plasma p-tau217 and digital cognitive assessments for early detection in Alzheimer's disease

Plasma phosphorylated tau (p-tau)217 is an early Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker, but the timing of pathological changes and cognitive decline varies substantially. Digital cognitive assessments can detect subtle cognitive changes, suggesting they may complement p-tau217 for early detection. Here, we evaluate whether combining these tools improves the detection of individuals at risk for future decline.

We analyzed 954 amyloid-positive cognitively unimpaired individuals who completed a digital cognitive assessment and a blood test for p-tau217, assessing their ability to predict future decline on the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Combining performance on a digital cognitive assessment with p-tau217 improved identification of individuals who declined on the PACC and MMSE in the next 5 years. The predictive value was stronger in apolipoprotein E ε4 noncarriers but did not differ by sex.

This approach offers a sensitive method for identifying individuals at high risk for AD-related cognitive decline.

Combining plasma phosphorylated tau 217 with baseline digital cognitive assessment improved the prediction of cognitive decline on gold-standard neuropsychological tests over the next 5 years, achieving greater accuracy than either measure alone. This combination also predicted a decline in a global cognitive screening test. Pairing a blood test with a digital cognitive assessment offers a scalable and feasible approach for Alzheimer's disease screening.