- New research investigated the potential of NPTX2, a protein found in the fluid surrounding the brain, to predict the onset of memory and thinking problems.
- Scientists studied individuals who were initially in good mental health, but later some of them developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.
- The study revealed that lower levels of NPTX2 were associated with an earlier onset of MCI symptoms.
- The findings also showed that NPTX2 levels seem to change over time alongside other markers related to Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study and its findings may hold promise for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and understanding cognitive decline.
To understand the brain changes associated with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, the researchers measured the levels of a protein called
The researchers saw that lower levels of NPTX2 was linked to an earlier onset cognitive decline. NPTX2 levels also changed over time alongside other markers related to Alzheimer’s disease.
The study was published in the
The study team collected fluid from the brain (CSF) from 269 people who were initially in good mental health and part of the
The average age of these participants at the beginning of the study was about 57.7 years, and they were followed for an average of 16.3 years.
Out of these individuals, 77 eventually developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.
During the study, the researchers examined three related parts (peptides) of the NPTX2 protein using a technique called quantitative parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry.
They also measured the levels of three other markers commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease: Aβ42/Aβ40, p-tau181, and t-tau.
These measurements were taken from the same CSF samples using a Lumipulse automated electrochemiluminescence assay.
By analyzing these data, the researchers aimed to better…
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