Alzheimer’s & Dementia | July 5, 2024

Du L, Langhough RE, Wilson RE, Reyes RER, Hermann BP, Jonaitis EM, Betthauser TJ, Chin NA, Christian B, Chaby L, Jeromin A, Molfetta GD, Brum WS, Arslan B, Ashton N, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Johnson SC.

Alzheimers Dement. 2024 Jul 5.

https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14100

This study was performed using Simoa Homebrew assay(s).

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Understanding longitudinal change in key plasma biomarkers will aid in detecting presymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

METHODS

Serial plasma samples from 424 Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention participants were analyzed for phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217; ALZpath) and other AD biomarkers, to study longitudinal trajectories in relation to disease, health factors, and cognitive decline. Of the participants, 18.6% with known amyloid status were amyloid positive (A+); 97.2% were cognitively unimpaired (CU).

RESULTS

In the CU, amyloid-negative (A–) subset, plasma p-tau217 levels increased modestly with age but were unaffected by body mass index and kidney function. In the whole sample, average p-tau217 change rates were higher in those who were A+ (e.g., simple slopes(se) for A+ and A– at age 60 were 0.232(0.028) and 0.038(0.013))). High baseline p-tau217 levels predicted faster preclinical cognitive decline.

DISCUSSION

p-tau217 stands out among markers for its strong association with disease and cognitive decline, indicating its potential for early AD detection and monitoring progression.