Elderly people exhibiting memory disturbances that do not affect their normal, daily life suffer from a condition called “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI). Some MCI patients go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease within a few years, whereas other cases remain stable, exhibiting only benign senile forgetfulness. It is crucial to develop simple, blood-based tests enabling early identification of these patients that will progress in order to begin therapy as soon as possible, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.
A group of investigators, led by Professor Massimo Tabaton of the University of Genoa, Italy, have data that sheds light on this issue. The results of their research are published in the October issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The investigators report that the concentration in blood of amyloid beta “42,” the toxic molecule that is believed to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease, is, on average, higher in MCI cases that went on to develop Alzheimer’s disease approximately three years later. The values of amyloid beta in blood vary considerably among the patient groups examined (MCI that develop Alzheimer’s disease; MCI stable; normal subjects). “This variability is likely very important,” Dr. Tabaton noted and went on to add, “but means that this needs further work before we can use this test for a definitive diagnosis.” For example, the scientists are going to set up a test that picks up a variant of amyloid beta potentially more specific of the disease.
Reference: Cammarata, Sergio, Roberta Borghi, Luca Giliberto, Matteo Pardini, Valeria Pollero, Cristina Novello, Michele Fornaro, Antonella Vitali, Laura Bracco, Carlo Caltagirone, Paola Bossù, Patrizio Odetti and Massimo Tabaton. Amyloid-β_{42} Plasma Levels are Elevated in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis 18:2 (October 2009).
# # #
To receive a copy of the full text, please contact Esther Mateike at IOS Press, Tel: +31 20 688 3355, e.mateike@iospress.nl. To request an interview with Professor Massimo Tabaton please email mtabaton@neurologia.unige.it or phone +39 010 3537064.
About the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (http://www.j-alz.com) is an international multidisciplinary journal to facilitate progress in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, behavior, treatment and psychology of Alzheimer's disease. The journal publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, book reviews, and letters-to-the-editor. Groundbreaking research that has appeared in the journal includes novel therapeutic targets, mechanisms of disease and clinical trial outcomes. The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has an Impact Factor of 5.101 according to Thomson Reuters' 2008 Journal Citation Reports. The Journal is published by IOS Press (http://www.iospress.nl).
About IOS Press
Commencing its publishing activities in 1987, IOS Press (www.iospress.nl) serves the information needs of scientific and medical communities worldwide. IOS Press now (co-)publishes over 100 international journals and about 130 book titles each year on subjects ranging from computer sciences and mathematics to medicine and the natural sciences.
IOS Press continues its rapid growth, embracing new technologies for the timely dissemination of information. All journals are available electronically and an e-book platform was launched in 2005.
Headquartered in Amsterdam with satellite offices in the USA, Germany, India and China, IOS Press has established several strategic co-publishing initiatives. Notable acquisitions included Delft University Press in 2005 and Millpress Science Publishers in 2008.
Contact:
Esther Mateike
IOS Press
Tel: +31 20 688 3355
Fax: +31 20 620 3419
e.mateike@iospress.nl
URL: www.j-alz.com
|
|
Advertisement |
|
|
Millipore Hosts Web Seminar On Risk Assessment Of Extractables & Leachables From Single-Use Systems
