Neurofilaments in blood: (Almost) facing clinical application

Neurodegeneration is a critical pathophysiologic process of Alzheimer disease (AD) and related dementias, and correlates better with cognitive symptoms than the sole presence of pathologic proteins such as β-amyloid or α-synuclein. Thus, the identification of a biomarker that tracks with neurodegeneration is critical for following disease progression from the preclinical through the clinical phases and assessing rate of progression or therapeutic utility. The identification of a blood-based biomarker of neurodegeneration would be the Holy Grail. Compared to neuroimaging CSF collection, a blood draw is much less invasive and costly, has minimal side effects, is available in rural areas, and is feasible and acceptable by patients for serial testing to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response.
Source: Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: EDITORIALS Source Type: research