Aspects of beta-amyloid as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that results in progressive cognitive impairment and death. The accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) in specific brain regions is believed by many to represent the earliest event in the pathogenesis of the disease. Here, we review the key aspects of Abeta as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, including the pathogenicity of Abeta, the possible biological functions of its precursor protein, the Abeta metabolism and homeostasis, the diagnostic performance of different Abeta assays in different settings and the potential usefulness of Abeta as a surrogate marker for treatment efficacy in clinical trials of novel Abeta-targeting drugs against Alzheimer's disease.
Andreasson
Ulf
U
Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Mölndal, Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory/Mölndal, S-431 80, Göteborg University, Mölndal, Sweden.
Portelius
Erik
E
Andersson
Malin E
ME
Blennow
Kaj
K
Zetterberg
Henrik
H