Changes in Alzheimer's Blood Biomarkers and Brain Imaging
Author Information
Author(s): Palta Priya, Pike James, Lu Yifei, Chen Jinyu, Walker Keenan, Sullivan Kevin, Mosley Thomas
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
How do changes in blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease relate to neuroimaging outcomes during mid- to late-life?
Conclusion
Blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease increase with age and are linked to known dementia risk factors and signs of brain degeneration.
Supporting Evidence
- Blood biomarkers of Aβ42, Aβ40, p-Tau181, NfL, and GFAP were measured using stored specimens.
- Decreasing Aβ42/Aβ40 and increasing p-Tau181, NfL, and GFAP were observed from midlife to late-life.
- Midlife hypertension and diabetes were associated with a steeper rise in NfL and GFAP.
- Lower late-life levels of Aβ42/Aβ40 and higher levels of p-Tau181, NfL, and GFAP were linked to smaller brain volume.
Takeaway
As people get older, certain blood tests can show changes that might mean they are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Methodology
Measured blood biomarkers and analyzed associations with brain imaging using linear mixed effects models and multivariable linear regression.
Participant Demographics
59.9% women, 25.8% Black, mean age 58.3 years at midlife and 80.7 years at late-life.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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