Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people around the world, causing memory, thinking and behavioral problems. Traditionally, its diagnosis was made through observation of the patient and tests using what is called Neuro Cognitive Evaluation.
In recent years, research has allowed us to add other diagnostic elements, such as the identification of various “biomarkers”which allow the disease to be detected in much earlier stages and before it expresses itself as such.
A biomarker is a precise, characteristic and measurable substance that indicates the presence of a disease.
In the case of Alzheimer’s, biomarkers are proteins and other substances that accumulate in the brain and in certain fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood.
The main biomarkers of Alzheimer’s include, fundamentally, the beta-amyloid protein and the tau protein, which form plaques and tangles in the brain, respectively.
Its detection in the CSF (clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord with the main function of protecting these structures by acting as a “buffer” and preventing damage, in addition to being a means to eliminate waste and carry nutrients) is one of the more precise methods to detect Alzheimer’s biomarkers.
It is performed through a lumbar puncture, by which a small amount of CSF is removed. In it, beta-amyloid and tau concentrations can be measured, which helps confirm the presence of brain changes typical of Alzheimer’s.
Beta amyloid is a protein that when accumulated in the brain forms plaques that interrupt communication between neurons. while the tau protein breaks down and forms tangles inside the neuron, preventing its normal functioning.
Early detection of AD is crucial because it allows intervention before symptoms become severe.
Alzheimer’s: another way of detection
Also through a imaging study Like PET (Positron Emission Tomography), the aforementioned biomarkers can be detected.
This technique makes it possible to visualize their accumulation in the brain by injecting a radioactive tracer that binds to these proteins and allows detailed images to be obtained showing the affected areas of the brain.
Currently, they are being developed blood tests to detect these biomarkers and, although they are still in the validation process, they promise in the near future to be an accessible, less invasive and expensive tool to make a very early diagnosis of the disease.
Early detection of AD (and even before it appears) is crucial because it allows intervention before symptoms become severe.
Knowing the status of a person’s biomarkers helps doctors plan early treatments and prevent or delay the progression of the disease.
Furthermore, biomarkers are essential in research, since they allow the effectiveness of new medications to be tested in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Research continues, and with it the hope that one day in the near future this disease can be controlled.