By Dr. Simon Samaan
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative process that is not a normal part of aging. It leads to a deterioration of cognitive functions and memory due to the progressive destruction of neurons. A genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors have been identified in affected individuals.
Since 2011, research has shifted focus towards the biological manifestations of the disease rather than relying solely on clinical and cognitive testing.
Indeed, biological signs of AD appear 15 to 20 years before the onset of clinical symptoms, with the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau peptides in the brain. Today, several biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be measured to precisely characterize the disease alongside imaging data.
In the near future, non-invasive biomarkers will be essential for early diagnosis and management of AD, as well as for the development of new therapies.
