Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the intermediate stage between normal aging and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) dementia. MCI is associated with a higher risk of developing AD dementia, which can be predicted by certain biomarkers.
Previous studies have used Olfactory dysfunction, as well as Aβ1–42 and Aβ1–40 levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as biomarkers. However, olfactory dysfunction is also a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease and non-Alzheimer’s Disease dementia. Also, measurement of Aβ levels in the CSF is invasive with inconsistent predictive power.
A recent study by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, assessed the predictive power of MCI to AD dementia conversion when several biomarkers are combined. The study examined biomarkers in 87 MCI patients as an initial assessment with 2- and 3-year follow up. The study also compared biomarkers between individuals with normal aging and MCI or AD dementia patients. Sniffin Sticks 16 (SS-16) test was used to evaluate olfactory dysfunction. Aβ1–42 and Aβ1–40 levels were measured in neuronal-derived exosomes (NDE) released from the central nervous system, instead of the CSF, to increase accuracy and minimize invasion.
The study indicates lower SS-16 scores and higher Aβ1–42 levels in MCI and AD dementia patients as compared to normal aging individuals. In contrast, no statistically significant difference was observed in the levels of Aβ1–40. Lower SS-16 scores and higher Aβ1–42 levels in MCI patients were correlated with 10-fold and 8.5-fold increase in risks for developing AD dementia, respectively. Combination of these biomarkers demonstrated higher predictive power for MCI to AD dementia conversion. These findings provide new insight into developing potential preventative measures for AD dementia progression and cognitive decline.
Anogen’s human Aβ1–42 and Aβ1–40 ELISA kits were used in this study for NDE cargo protein quantification. In support of continuous advancements in Alzheimer’s Disease research, Anogen is willing to provide high-quality antibodies and ELISA kits. For more information, please visit Anogen’s website at www.anogen.ca
