Alzheimer's Biomarkers: Overview of Existing and Future Biomarkers
Continuing Education Credits
This course describes Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and reviews the latest facts and statistics. Upon completion of this course, the user will understand the signs, symptoms, and stages of AD and describe Alzheimer’s causes, risk factors and prevention. A summary of the current methods used to diagnose AD is presented, along with the role of genetics in AD. The key AD biomarkers and their availability in CSF and Blood are discussed as well as the current commercially-available biomarker tests and treatments for AD.
Objectives
- Describe Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
- State the signs, symptoms, and stages of AD.
- Describe AD causes, risk factors, and prevention.
- Summarize the current methods used to diagnose AD.
- Explain the role of genetics in AD, including risk genes and deterministic genes.
- Describe the key AD biomarkers and their availability in CSF and blood.
- State the current commercially available biomarker tests for AD.
- Discuss the current treatments for AD.
- Discuss the current treatments for AD.
- Discuss the current treatments for AD.
Course Outline
- Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
- Definition, Facts, and Statistics
- Signs, Symptoms, and Stages
- Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
- Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention, continued
- Which of the following statements is false related to AD?
- Which stage of AD is typically the longest (often lasting for many years), with the individual having difficulty performing tasks but still remembering details about life?
- True or False: AD is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Overview and Diagnostic Approaches
- Overview and Diagnostic Approaches, continued
- Which of the following statements is false related to the diagnosis of AD?
- Which specific type of PET scan measures the neurofibrillary tangles in the brain?
- True or False: Genetic testing of certain genes involved in the development of AD is available, and the use of such genetic testing for routine AD evaluation is now being recommended.
- Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Risk Genes and Deterministic Genes
- Risk Genes and Deterministic Genes, continued
- Summary on Genetic Testing for AD
- In a small percentage of AD cases, genetic mutations occurring in certain genes can directly cause AD. What is the name given to these genes?
- Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
- AD Biomarkers: Overview
- AD Biomarkers: Key Biomarkers
- AD Biomarkers: Key Biomarkers, continued
- AD Biomarkers: Key Biomarkers, continued
- AD Biomarkers: Key Biomarkers, continued
- AD Biomarkers: Key Biomarkers, continued
- CSF versus Blood Biomarkers for AD
- Which of the following statements is true related to biomarkers for AD?
- Which peptide, when deposited in plaques, can be found in low levels in CSF and may be a key biomarker of AD?
- True or False: A blood assay to detect IRS-1 protein has been developed and studied. Studies have shown that individuals with AD may have lower blood levels of the inactive form of IRS-1 protein.
- Which of the following statements is false related to the p-tau217 biomarker?
- Which of the following statements is true related to the limitations of using CSF for measuring AD biomarkers?
- Commercially Available Biomarker Tests for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment
- Commercially Available Tests for AD Assessment
- Quest Diagnostics: Beta-Amyloid 42/40 Ratio and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Isoform Panel
- LabCorp: APOE Alzheimer’s Risk Test
- Athena Diagnostics: ADmark® Alzheimer’s Evaluation
- C2N Diagnostics: PrecivityAD® Test
- C2N Diagnostics: PrecivityAD2™ Test
- Which of the following statements is false related to the Quest Diagnostics AB42/40 ratio and APOE isoform Panel test?
- True or False: One limitation of using the LabCorp APOE Alzheimer’s Risk Test is that the presence of the APOE-e4 isoform does increase the risk of late-onset AD. However, many patients with the e4 isoform do not develop AD, and in those with late-onset AD, 30–50% are negative for the isoform.
- Which of the following does the Athena Diagnostics ADmark® Alzheimer’s Evaluation test not measure?
- Which of the following statements is false related to the C2N PrecivityAD® test?
- Conclusions on Biomarker Tests for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment
- Conclusions on Biomarker Tests for AD Assessment
- Conclusions on Biomarker Tests for AD Assessment: Recommendations
- Which of the following statements is false related to biomarker tests for assessing AD?
- What statement correctly describes professional society and insurer recommendations for using AD biomarkers?
- Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
- Treatment Overview
- Alzheimer's Drugs
- Alzheimer's Drugs, continued
- Other Treatments
- Which of the following statements is false related to the treatment of AD?
- True or False: One of the types of current AD medications is cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications slow the progression of symptoms associated with moderate to severe AD. They work by blocking the toxic effects of excess glutamate in the brain.
- References
- References
Additional Information
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: David J. Moffa, PhD, BCLD, has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry as an executive manager, clinical laboratory director, and medical laboratory scientist. He is currently a technical consultant for Kentmere Healthcare, Wilmington, DE, and until his retirement, was the Regional Director for LabCorp, Inc. He holds a PhD in medical biochemistry from the School of Medicine, West Virginia University.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MLS(ASCP)SC is the director of clinical pathology for the Kaiser Permanente Northwest region. He also teaches clinical chemistry at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Foley earned his PhD in clinical pharmacology and toxicology at East Carolina School of Medicine in North Carolina.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.