Multiple Etiology Dementias: Establish pre-symptomatic diagnostics and biomarkers (Milestone 9.M)

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Success Criteria

• At least one improved imaging or fluid biomarker for AD, cerebrovascular disease, and each of the ADRDs, to estimate future risk for cognitive impairment in asymptomatic individuals. 
• At least one study that validates diagnostic and theragnostic utility of new biomarkers in asymptomatic populations, including in health disparity populations. 

Summary of Key Accomplishments

Commercial products to measure Aβ40/42 in blood (C2N) and the cerebrospinal fluid (Quest Diagnostic) can identify high-risk pre-symptomatic individuals, though there is scientific debate about its reliability for clinical applications. PET imaging markers allow for estimation of future risk for cognitive impairment in asymptomatic individuals. These have been evaluated in proteinopathy consortium (CW2IP2): PM-PBB3 and CBD-2115 (4R-tau) and alpha-synuclein but are not yet commercially viable. The NIH continues to fund research into biomarkers capable of quantifying dementia risk with greater precision and reliability.

The key accomplishments summary is current as of July 2022.  

Relevant Recommendations

• ADRD Summit 2016: Multiple Etiology Dementias (MED) Focus Area 1: Improved Diagnostic Skills in the Community, Milestone 4 

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