In a study, researchers reviewed the growing global health concern of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with its prevalence expected to double every 20 years, particularly in developing countries. Genetic factors, like the ε4 allele of the APOE gene, significantly influence AD development, accelerating symptomatic onset by about 10 years. While definite diagnosis relies on postmortem examination, biomarkers like CSF Abeta42, t-tau, and p-tau offer diagnostic accuracy, even in preclinical stages. Notably, CSF biomarkers reflect AD pathophysiology, aiding early detection and potential treatment initiation. Novel biomarkers, including BACE1, inflammation markers, neurogranin, soluble APP, neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress markers, and neurofilament light chain, show promise in refining diagnostic accuracy and assessing disease progression.

Standardization of procedures and cut-off values across laboratories is essential for wider clinical implementation. Future research aims to identify optimal biomarker combinations and integrate them with other diagnostic modalities for enhanced accuracy in AD diagnosis and prognosis, potentially revolutionizing the management of neurocognitive disorders.

Reference: Papaliagkas V, Kalinderi K, Vareltzis P, Moraitou D, Papamitsou T, Chatzidimitriou M. CSF Biomarkers in the Early Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(10):8976. doi: 10.3390/ijms24108976.