New Biomarkers May Help Predict Alzheimer’s

With Alzheimer’s disease on the rise, understanding its risk factors and potential early indicators is more crucial than ever for improving diagnosis and treatment

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Psychology Today

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing concern, particularly as the population continues to age. While its biological mechanisms – such as the accumulation of plaques and tangles in the brain – are well understood, the reasons why some individuals develop the condition while others do not remain unclear.

The Need for Biomarkers

Being able to predict who is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could lead to earlier and more effective treatments. This makes the search for a reliable biomarker – a measurable molecule in blood, fluids, or tissues that signals disease – especially important. Recent research suggests that such a biomarker for AD may exist and could be linked to events that occur as early as in the womb.

In 2022, only 4% of adults aged 65 and older reported being diagnosed with dementia, despite there being over 100 types, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most well-known. Diagnosis rates increase with age, but even among those 85 and older, only about 7% receive a dementia diagnosis (National Health Statistics Reports, 2024).

Influencing Factors

While advancing age is the strongest predictor of Alzheimer’s disease, other factors also play a role. Income level, urban or rural residence and education all seem to influence the risk of diagnosis. Gender may also be a factor, as some studies suggest women are more likely to be diagnosed than men. However, since women generally live longer, it’s challenging to separate the impact of gender from age.

The Result of Studies

A study investigating a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease found that higher levels of inflammatory proteins, known as cytokines, were linked to memory problems. These proteins trigger the body’s immune response, and when inflammation occurs in the brain, it can impact various functions. The study showed that people exposed to higher cytokine levels performed worse on memory tasks. In women, higher prenatal cytokine levels were also linked to weaker memory and changes in brain function after menopause.

As research into Alzheimer’s disease continues to evolve, the discovery of potential biomarkers could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments. Practice managers should stay informed about these developments to better support patients, ensuring they have access to the latest screening tools, treatment options and care strategies. Keeping up with emerging research will be key in helping healthcare teams provide proactive and personalised care for those at risk of or living with Alzheimer’s.