Novel Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease often comes late, too late for medical personnel to provide much help in slowing the deteriorating memory of patients. By attempting to discover biomarkers for earlier detection, and improved preventative measure, we hope to ameliorate the burden of Alzherimer’s dementia.

Our aim is to contribute to understand the brain changes in the transitional phase between normal aging and Alzheimers disease (AD), their

causes, and possibilities for early diagnosis and prevention

We will test new biomarkers based on Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) and MRI, in samples of healthy older adults and patients with mild cognitive impairment or AD. Novel methods for CSF and MRI biomarkers will be used, and related to more established biomarkers as well as cognitive function and clinical diagnosis.

Objectives

The direct goal of the project is to improve diagnosis and the possibilities for prevention of Alzheimers dementia. Thus, the perspectives of users, i.e. patients diagnosed with MCI or AD or their relatives/ next of kin, are very important. There are about 130 different organizations for relatives/ next of kin in Norway, most of which are organized through the Norwegian Health Association.

Outcomes

In the initial phase of the project, we will arrange for communication with patients organizations to obtain the users’ view of the type and form of information that would be useful to include in the project, and how the project can contribute with information and communication of results. Which form of communication that would be the most useful will be discussed with the Norwegian Health Association, but we envision both meetings with local patient organizations as well as setting up a web-site with opportunities for giving input and responses to the project group.