Biomarkers are likely to be important in the study of Alzheimer disease
(AD) for a variety of reasons. A clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer disease
is inaccurate even among experienced investigators in about 10% to 15%
of cases, and biomarkers might improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
Importantly for the development of putative disease-modifying drugs for
Alzheimer disease, biomarkers might also serve as indirect measures of
disease severity. When used in this way, sample sizes of clinical trials
might be reduced, and a change in biomarker could be considered
supporting evidence of disease modification. This review summarizes a
meeting of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Research Roundtable, during
which existing and emerging biomarkers for AD were evaluated. Imaging
biomarkers including volumetric magnetic resonance imaging and positron
emission tomography assessing either glucose utilization or ligands
binding to amyloid plaque are discussed. Additionally, biochemical
biomarkers in blood or cerebrospinal fluid are assessed. Currently
appropriate uses of biomarkers in the study of Alzheimer disease, and
areas where additional work is needed, are discussed.
Reference: Thal LJ, Kantarci K, Reiman EM, Klunk WE, Weiner MW, Zetterberg H, Galasko D, Praticò D, Griffin S, Schenk D, Siemers E. The role of biomarkers in clinical trials for Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2006;20(1):6-15
