Early detection of Alzheimer's disease by combining apolipoprotein E and neuroimaging
Abstract
New treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are more likely to slow or halt disease progression rather than to reverse existing neuronal damage. Identifying persons with mild cognitive complaints who are at risk for AD will allow investigators to apply anti-dementia treatments before extensive brain damage develops. The discovery of the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele (APOE epsilon 4) as a major risk factor for AD offers promise of assisting in early detection and prediction of Alzheimer's disease, particularly when genetic assessments are combined with other biomarkers such as neuroimaging. Studies of relatives at risk for familial AD using neuroimaging (positron emission tomography [PET]) and genetic assessments of APOE suggest that at-risk relatives with APOE epsilon 4 have lower parietal metabolism than those without APOE epsilon 4. Additional techniques that might increase sensitivity and specificity include longitudinal assessment of clinical and brain functional change, pharmacological challenges of short-acting anticholinergic agents, and memory activation paradigms during functional scanning. Such strategies should eventually assist in early detection of AD and in vivo therapeutic monitoring of brain function during ...Continue Reading
References
Temporal lobe regions on magnetic resonance imaging identify patients with early Alzheimer's disease
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Alzheimer's Disease: APOE
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphic alleles are major genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Discover the latest research on APOE and other genetic determinants of Alzheimer's disease here.
Alzheimer's Disease: Early Markers
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive and behavioral decline. Targeting markers in the earliest stages of the disease may mitigate the progression of AD. This feed focuses on early diagnosis and markers, as well as environmental, pharmacological, and drug-response biomarkers associated with this disease.
Alzheimer's Disease: Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging can help identify pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here is the latest research on neuroimaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, in AD.
ApoE Phenotypes
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein involved in fat metabolism and associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease. Here is the latest research on APOE phenotypes.