Biomarkers

Changes in serum β-synuclein precede blood biomarkers of Alzheimer pathology in Down syndrome

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Synaptic dysfunction is one of the earliest processes involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is closely associated with cognitive decline. However, currently available blood biomarkers primarily reflect other pathological processes, such as amyloid and tau pathology, neurodegeneration, or glial activation, while few biomarkers are available to detect early synaptic alterations through a blood sample. β-synuclein … Read more

Epilepsy increases following the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in adults with Down syndrome

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A strong link between the onset of Alzheimer’s and epileptic seizures In adults with Down syndrome, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is particularly high due to genetic factors. In this study, we focused on analyzing the natural history of epilepsy in this population, observing how the appearance of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease … Read more

New reference values for cognitive normality allow earlier detection in one of every five cases of mild cognitive impairment

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The first step in the diagnostic workup of individuals presenting with cognitive symptoms is to determine whether there is objective cognitive impairment. Ideally, this is done through a neuropsychological evaluation: a battery of cognitive tests in which the patient’s performance is interpreted as normal or abnormal as compared to reference values. These reference values are … Read more

proNGF in Neuron-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: An Early Alzheimer’s Signature in Down Syndrome

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Extracellular Vesicles - Sant Pau Memory Unit

proNGF in Neuron-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: An Early Alzheimer’s Signature in Down Syndrome Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a high risk of early-onset neurodegeneration. This study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, is the first to analyze levels of the nerve growth factor precursor protein (proNGF) in neuron-derived extracellular vesicles … Read more

Synaptic Proteins VAMP-2 and SNAP-25 as Biomarkers in Dementia with Lewy Bodies

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Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is one of the leading causes of dementia, yet clear biomarkers for its diagnosis and monitoring are still lacking. The Lewy bodies in the brains of people with DLB are primarily composed of accumulations of the protein α-synuclein, which can cause synaptic dysfunction from the early stages of the disease. … Read more

World Alzheimer’s Day: Sant Pau Focuses on Individuals with Down Syndrome

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On World Alzheimer’s Day, the aim is to raise awareness about this incurable neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects elderly individuals. However, this year, Hospital de Sant Pau has shifted its attention to a particularly vulnerable group: individuals with Down syndrome. Alzheimer’s is characterized by cognitive decline and behavioral disturbances, with recent memory loss being one … Read more