New blood biomarker indicates risk of Alzheimer's disease
A study involving 1,170 volunteers showed that the level of the p-tau181 protein in the blood predicts memory decline six years later, opening up opportunities for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami conducted a large-scale study involving 1,170 elderly volunteers (average age 73). In 2016, participants gave blood and underwent cognitive tests assessing memory, speech, executive and visuospatial functions. Six years later, in 2022, the testing was repeated. The analysis showed that of the four biomarkers studied (p-tau181, Aβ42/40 ratio, GFAP, and NfL), the level of the p-tau181 protein was the key predictor of future memory decline and overall cognitive decline. At the start of the study, p-tau181 concentration did not correlate with current test results. Cognitive neurologist Deirdre O'Shea explained that elevated levels of this protein predicted memory problems that appeared six years later. The scientists emphasize that a combination of p-tau181 and GFAP markers helps identify risk groups, but a single test cannot guarantee the development of dementia. The study focused on age-related cognitive decline, not on diagnosing specific conditions. Plans include continuing to monitor the participants.