Biomarkers

Question 1

function

Answer 1

• A biological difference between a healthy and pathological cell
• Measurable to diagnose disease (progression)

Question 2

ideal biomarker

Answer 2

• Easy and safe
• Measurable
• Cost efficient to follow up
• Modifiable with treatment
• Consistent across gender and ethnic groups

Question 3

types

Answer 3

• Imaging biomarkers (CT, PET, MRI, etc.)
• Fluid biomarkers (proteins, RNA, DNA, vesicles, etc.)
• Clinical biomarkers (signs & symptoms)

Question 4

AD

Answer 4

• Medial temporal lobe atrophy  MRI (volume check)
• Hippocampal volume  MRI
• PiB PET to test for amyloid beta plaques (high in AD)
• FDG PET to test for brain activity (high in normal brain low in AD)
• Fluid biomarkers to draw sample of CSF to test for protein ratios

Question 5

PD

Answer 5

• Motor symptoms
• RBD (sleep disorder)
• F-DOPA PET to measure the amount of dopamine (will be low)
• CSF sampling to measure alpha synuclein protein