Alzheimer’s disease is difficult to definitively diagnose. Instead, clinicians rely on behavioral tests that are often only helpful once the cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease is apparent. These tests include assessments of memory impairment, cognitive function, and changes in behavior, along with ruling out other possible causes of cognitive decline.
Clinicians and scientists are searching for a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. A biomarker is a measurable protein or compound that can serve as an indicator of a disease or infection. The search for an Alzheimer’s disease biomarker is largely centered around a group of proteins called tau proteins, a group of proteins that helps to stabilize the internal skeleton of neurons in the brain.
A new study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience describes a possible biomarker that could be used to make a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease before the onset of severe symptoms.
The researchers found that a protein called p-tau198 was effective in differentiating between Alzheimer’s disease and two other neurodegenerative diseases. Their research involved a comparison of post-mortem brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer’s disease and without Alzheimer’s disease.
Tau proteins are generally affected by Alzheimer’s disease. They have been found to undergo post-translational modifications at the onset of Alzhimer’s disease, making them more likely to clump together. This is one suspected cause of the neuron loss and impaired memory associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers hope that future studies will elucidate techniques that can be used to detect p-tau198 and other tau biomarkers. They identified ultrasensitive detection methods such as Single Molecular Array (Simoa) or Meso Scale Discovery Multi-Array technologies (MSD) as potential methods of detecting these tau proteins.
Early detection and intervention of Alzheimer’s disease can be beneficial for patients. Early interventions can include cognitive training and stimulation, reminiscence therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, and receiving adequate sleep. Early detection also provides caregivers with the time needed to plan for the safety and security of an Alzheimer’s patient.
Sources: Mayoclinic, Alzheimer’s Association, ACS Chemical Neuroscience, Biogen
