Fluid and imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: Where we stand and where to head to

Exp Gerontol. 2018 Jul 1:107:169-177. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.01.002. Epub 2018 Jan 4.

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that a number of potentially informative biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD) can improve the accuracy of diagnosing this form of dementia, especially when used as a panel of diagnostic assays and interpreted in the context of neuroimaging and clinical data. Moreover, by combining the power of CSF biomarkers with neuroimaging techniques to visualize Aβ deposits (or neurodegenerative lesions), it might be possible to better identify individuals at greatest risk for developing MCI and converting to AD. The objective of this article was to review recent progress in selected imaging and chemical biomarkers for prediction, early diagnosis and progression of AD. We present our view point of a scenario that places CSF and imaging markers on the verge of general utility based on accuracy levels that already match (or even surpass) current clinical precision.

Keywords: Alzheimer; Biomarker; Cerebrospinal fluid; Diagnosis; Mild cognitive impairment; Neuroimaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / chemistry*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Disease Progression
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Neuroimaging

Substances

  • Biomarkers