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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Neurofilament light as a blood biomarker for neurodegeneration in Down syndrome

Authors: Andre Strydom, Amanda Heslegrave, Carla M. Startin, Kin Y. Mok, John Hardy, Jurgen Groet, Dean Nizetic, Henrik Zetterberg, The LonDownS Consortium

Published in: Alzheimer's Research & Therapy | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Down syndrome (DS) may be considered a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) due to universal development of AD neuropathology, but diagnosis and treatment trials are hampered by a lack of reliable blood biomarkers. A potential biomarker is neurofilament light (NF-L), due to its association with axonal damage in neurodegenerative conditions.

Methods

We measured blood NF-L concentrations in 100 adults with DS using Simoa NF-light® assays, and we examined relationships with age as well as cross-sectional and longitudinal dementia diagnosis.

Results

NF-L concentrations increased with age (Spearman’s rho = 0.789, p < 0.001), with a steep increase after age 40, and they were predictive of dementia status (p = 0.022 adjusting for age, sex, and APOE4), but they showed no relationship with long-standing epilepsy or premorbid ability. Baseline NF-L concentrations were associated with longitudinal dementia status.

Conclusions

NF-L is a biomarker for neurodegeneration in DS with potential for use in future clinical trials to prevent or delay dementia.

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Title: Neurofilament light as a blood biomarker for neurodegeneration in Down syndrome
Authors: Andre Strydom
Amanda Heslegrave
Carla M. Startin
Kin Y. Mok
John Hardy
Jurgen Groet
Dean Nizetic
Henrik Zetterberg
The LonDownS Consortium
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Alzheimer's Research & Therapy / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1758-9193
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-018-0367-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Neurofilament light as a blood biomarker for neurodegeneration in Down syndrome

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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