An ultrasensitive assay for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Rejuvenation Res. 2008 Apr;11(2):315-8. doi: 10.1089/rej.2008.0670.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia. Aging is among the most significant risk factors. Today, AD can be diagnosed with certainty only post mortem, detecting insoluble beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) aggregates in the patient's brain tissue. We have developed an ultrasensitive assay for early and non-invasive diagnosis of AD. This highly specific and sensitive assay uses fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and is sensitive enough to detect even single aggregates in body fluids of AD patients. We investigate the correlation of aggregated Abeta concentrations in body fluids with clinical symptoms of AD.

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / methods*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides