Biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease
Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease[edit | edit source]
Biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease are biological indicators that can be measured to assess the presence or progression of the disease. These biomarkers are crucial for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
Types of Biomarkers[edit | edit source]
Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease can be classified into several categories:
Amyloid-beta[edit | edit source]
Amyloid-beta is a peptide that accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, forming plaques. The presence of amyloid-beta can be detected through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
Tau Protein[edit | edit source]
Tau protein is associated with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, another hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Elevated levels of phosphorylated tau in the CSF are indicative of the disease.
Neurodegeneration[edit | edit source]
Neurodegeneration refers to the loss of structure or function of neurons. Biomarkers of neurodegeneration include brain atrophy observed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and decreased glucose metabolism detected by fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scans.
Neuroinflammation[edit | edit source]
Neuroinflammation is the inflammatory response within the brain or spinal cord. Biomarkers such as increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the CSF or blood can indicate neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.
Clinical Use of Biomarkers[edit | edit source]
Biomarkers are used in clinical settings to:
- Diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an early stage.
- Differentiate Alzheimer's from other types of dementia.
- Monitor the progression of the disease.
- Assess the response to therapeutic interventions.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Alzheimer's disease
- Dementia
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Positron emission tomography
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