Biofluid-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease-related pathologies: An update and synthesis of the literature

Alzheimers Dement. 2022 Sep;18(9):1687-1693. doi: 10.1002/alz.12618. Epub 2022 Feb 25.

Abstract

The past few years have seen an explosion in sensitive and specific assays for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders, as well as some novel assays based on pathological seed-induced protein misfolding in patient samples. Here, I review this exciting field that promises to transform dementia diagnostics and disease monitoring. I discuss data on biomarkers for amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and glial activation, mention the most promising biomarkers for α-synuclein and TDP-43 pathology, and highlight the need for further research into common co-pathologies. Finally, I consider practical aspects of blood-based biomarker-supported AD diagnostics and emphasize the importance of biomarker interpretation in a full clinical context.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; TDP-43; amyloid; biomarkers; blood; cerebrospinal fluid; glial fibrillary acidic protein; neurofilament light; plasma; synuclein; tau.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Humans
  • alpha-Synuclein / cerebrospinal fluid
  • tau Proteins / cerebrospinal fluid

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • alpha-Synuclein
  • tau Proteins