Protein could predict Alzheimer’s symptoms 7 years in advance.
Protein could predict Alzheimer's symptoms 7 years in advance.
A Protein in Brain Fluid Might Predict Cognitive Impairment
New research has discovered a potential link between a protein called NPTX2 and the onset of memory and thinking problems. This exciting finding may hold promise for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and a better understanding of cognitive decline.
To investigate the brain changes associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, scientists measured the levels of NPTX2 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – the fluid surrounding the brain. The study involved individuals who were initially in good mental health but later developed MCI or dementia. The researchers found that lower levels of NPTX2 were associated with an earlier onset of MCI symptoms. Additionally, NPTX2 levels seemed to change over time alongside other markers related to Alzheimer’s disease.
This groundbreaking study, published in the Annals of Neurology, aimed to better understand the changes in NPTX2 levels over time and their potential connection to the development of MCI and dementia. The study team collected CSF from 269 people initially in good mental health, who were part of the BIOCARD Study. They were followed for an average of 16.3 years. Out of these participants, 77 eventually developed MCI or dementia.
The researchers examined three parts of the NPTX2 protein and three other markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease: Aβ42/Aβ40, p-tau181, and t-tau. By analyzing these markers, they hoped to gain insights into their changes over time and their relationship to the cognitive problems experienced by the participants.
The findings indicated that individuals with lower levels of NPTX2 in their CSF tended to experience cognitive decline earlier than those with higher levels. This association was significant for people who developed MCI within and beyond seven years from the start of the study. The researchers also discovered that baseline levels of NPTX2 helped predict when MCI symptoms would appear, even when considering other well-known Alzheimer’s biomarkers found in the CSF.
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Dr. Anja Soldan, the study’s first author and an associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University, explained the significance of the research. She stated that low levels of NPTX2 measured in the CSF of cognitively healthy middle-aged and older adults may predict the later onset of MCI. This finding suggests that NPTX2 holds promise as an early predictor of cognitive impairment, even before symptoms appear. Dr. Soldan also noted that low levels of NPTX2 improve the prediction of cognitive impairment, even when accounting for traditional Alzheimer’s biomarkers and well-established genetic risk factors.
However, the study does have some limitations. The participants were primarily white, well-educated, and had a strong family history of dementia. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the findings apply to other populations. Nevertheless, identifying biomarkers like NPTX2 that predict dementia development early on is crucial for implementing preventative approaches or treating cognitive issues at their earliest stages.
NPTX2’s ability to predict the risk of MCI independent of other markers, such as p-tau and APO-E4, suggests that it could potentially serve as a target for drug development. Currently, there is only one FDA-approved drug that can modestly slow the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in its early stages, and there are no known cures or preventive measures for the disease. Dr. Soldan emphasized that targeting NPTX2 could lead to the development of therapeutics not only for Alzheimer’s disease but also for other neurodegenerative disorders.
Despite these exciting findings, routine measurement of NPTX2 levels in the brain is not yet possible. However, there is ongoing work to develop sensitive methods for measuring NPTX2 in blood instead of CSF. Additionally, the factors influencing NPTX2 levels in the brain remain poorly understood, requiring further research. Dr. Santosh Kesari, a neurologist not involved in the study, also recognized the potential of NPTX2 as a target for drug development and emphasized the need for further testing and validation in future studies.
In conclusion, this study highlights the significant role of the NPTX2 protein in predicting cognitive impairment and potential future interventions for preventing or treating neurodegenerative diseases. While NPTX2 shows promise as a biomarker, more research is needed to explore its full potential and optimize its clinical applications.
