New research brings us a step closer to discovering a new biomarker for dementia - Alzheimer’s Society comments

New research presented today (Monday 15th July) at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Los Angles, shows promise for a new means of detecting Alzheimer’s disease.

Neurofilament light (NfL), also known as neurofilament light chain, is being actively investigated as a biological marker for neurodegeneration in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma in a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, says: “Amyloid and tau proteins in the brain are well established as the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s become clear over the last few years that they don’t represent the full picture of what’s going on.

“The protein blood-based neurofilament light (NfL) is showing potential as a new measure of damage to the brain in dementia, and this study reinforces the evidence that our own researchers have found, suggesting that NfL levels increase in eight different types of dementia.

“For the first time, we may have found a strong contender to help detect dementia in its early stages, throwing open the door for more research and earlier diagnoses.”