Recommendations for clinical implementation of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimers Dement. 2024 Nov;20(11):8216-8224. doi: 10.1002/alz.14184. Epub 2024 Oct 1.

Abstract

Blood-based biomarkers (BBM) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are being increasingly used in clinical practice to support an AD diagnosis. In contrast to traditional diagnostic modalities, such as amyloid positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, BBMs offer a more accessible and lower cost alternative for AD biomarker testing. Their unique scalability addresses the anticipated surge in demand for biomarker testing with the emergence of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) that require confirmation of amyloid pathology. To facilitate the uptake of BBMs in clinical practice, The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer's Disease convened a BBM Workgroup to provide recommendations for two clinical implementational pathways for BBMs: one for current use for triaging and another for future use to confirm amyloid pathology. These pathways provide a standardized diagnostic approach with guidance on interpreting BBM test results. Integrating BBMs into clinical practice will simplify the diagnostic process and facilitate timely access to DMTs for eligible patients.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; amyloid; biomarker; blood‐based biomarkers; clinical implementation; clinical practice; cognitive impairment; disease‐modifying treatment; patient journey; primary care; secondary care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Alzheimer Disease* / diagnosis
  • Biomarkers* / blood
  • Biomarkers* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Humans
  • Positron-Emission Tomography

Substances

  • Biomarkers