Summary
This systematic review investigates the diagnostic accuracy of blood plasma and CSF Aß levels for detecting patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and who are likely to progress to Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia.
The accuracy of these biomarkers as diagnostic criteria for prodromal dementia and MCI due to Alzheimer’s Disease appears to have low diagnostic benefit and / or clinical utility. The authors conclude that measuring protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF amyloid beta (Aβ40) or CSF Aβ42), as a single test, lacks the accuracy to identify patients with MCI who are likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.
Reference
Ritchie, C. Smailagic, N. Noel-Storr, AH. [et al] (2014). Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease dementia and other dementias in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews. June 10th 2014; Issue 6: No. CD008782.
