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JAMA Studies Explore Tactics to Monitor Beta-Amyloid Levels

Two Alzheimer's disease-related articles are published in the Jan. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

One article reports that levels of certain types of the abnormal protein beta-amyloid in blood plasma are associated with cognitive decline. Beta-amyloid proteins form the brain "plaques" that are characteristic of Alzheimer's. In order to improve early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, researchers are trying to develop simple, inexpensive and relatively unintrusive tests for cognitive decline and risk of Alzheimer's.

This article is part of a long line of studies and is intriguing, though not a breakthrough. Similar studies measuring amyloid in blood plasma have revealed conflicting results, as the authors acknowledge in their article.

A second article presents data that was first reported at Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010. It concerns florbetapir F18, an imaging technology used in PET scans that is being developed by Avid Radiopharmaceuticals that may be useful for demonstrating brain amyloid buildup in living people. The article reports that in 29 people who were near death, amyloid levels in the brain measured by florbetapir PET imaging correlated very closely to amyloid levels measured at autopsy.

Note: Having amyloid buildup in your brain does not mean for certain that you have Alzheimer's disease. We need more research to understand the appropriate use of florbetapir-PET imaging — or any other imaging technology — in diagnosing Alzheimer's.
Note 2: Avid is going before an advisory committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday, Jan. 20, to present these and other data in support of its application to market florbetapir F18.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION INVOLVEMENT

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, dementia and cognitive impairment is increasing dramatically. Early detection, early intervention and prevention are crucial, and more research is desperately needed. For example, early diagnosis and effective treatment of Alzheimer's are hampered by the lack of verified biomarkers of the risk, onset and course of the disease.

As the leading care, research and advocacy organization for Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Association looks forward to working with the Obama administration, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and members of Congress to ensure swift, aggressive implementation of the National Alzheimer's Project Act. To get involved, visit alz.org.

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The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

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