In vivo Detection of Alzheimer's Disease

Yale J Biol Med. 2018 Sep 21;91(3):291-300. eCollection 2018 Sep.

Abstract

Recent revisions to the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) incorporated conceptual advances in the field. Specifically, AD is now recognized to encompass a continuum, spanning from preclinical (accruing brain pathology in the absence of symptoms) through symptomatic predementia (prodromal AD, mild cognitive impairment) and dementia phases. The role of biological markers (biomarkers) of both the underlying molecular pathologies and related neurodegenerative changes has also been acknowledged. In this abridged review, we provide an overview of fluid (cerebrospinal fluid and blood) and molecular imaging-based biomarkers used within the field and discuss the potential role of computer driven artificial intelligence approaches for both the early and accurate identification of AD and as a tool for population enrichment in clinical trials testing candidate disease modifying therapies.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Diagnosis; Fluid biomarkers; Medical imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Biomarkers