Damaged protein identified as early biomarker for Alzheimer's

February, 2010

Evidence that levels of damaged tau protein in the cerebrospinal fluid is associated with atrophy in the medial temporal lobe may help diagnose Alzheimer’s early.

A study involving 57 cognitively healthy older adults has found that those who showed decreased memory performance two years later (20 of the 57) had higher baseline levels of phosphorylated tau231 in the cerebrospinal fluid, and more atrophy in the medial temporal lobe. Higher levels of damaged tau protein were associated with reductions in medial temporal lobe gray matter. The finding may be useful in early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-02/nlmc-dpi022310.php

Reference:

[179] Glodzik, L., de Santi S., Tsui W H., Mosconi L., Zinkowski R., Pirraglia E., et al.
(Submitted). Phosphorylated tau 231, memory decline and medial temporal atrophy in normal elders.
Neurobiology of Aging. In Press, Corrected Proof,

seniors

early markers

Alzheimers

Related News

Music training protects against aging-related hearing loss

I’ve spoken before about the association between hearing loss in old age and dementia risk.

Nicotine patch shows benefits in mild cognitive impairment

The study involved 74 non-smokers with amnestic

Higher risk of mild cognitive impairment among older men

More data from the long-running Mayo Clinic Study of Aging has revealed that, in this one part of the U.S.

'Exergames' may provide greater cognitive benefit for older adults

We know that physical exercise greatly helps you prevent cognitive decline with aging. We know that mental stimulation also helps you prevent age-related cognitive decline. So it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a way of combining the two.

Cognitive decline begins in middle age

The age at which cognitive decline begins has been the subject of much debate. The Seattle longitudinal study has provided most of the evidence that it doesn’t begin until age 60.

Diet linked to brain atrophy in old age

The study involved 104 healthy older adults (average age 87) participating in the Oregon Brain Aging Study.

Physical evidence bilingualism delays onset of Alzheimer's symptoms

Growing evidence points to greater education and mentally stimulating occupations and activities providing a

Brain atrophy may predict risk for early Alzheimer's disease

A study involving 159 older adults (average age 76) has confirmed that the amount of brain tissue in specific regions is a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease development.

Reviving a failing sense of smell through training

The olfactory bulb is in the oldest part of our brain. It connects directly to the

Why diabetes is linked to cognitive impairment in older adults

Why is diabetes associated with cognitive impairment and even dementia in older adults? New research pinpoints two molecules that trigger a cascade of events that end in poor blood flow and brain atrophy.

Pages