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Continuum Audio

Fluid Biomarkers in Dementia Diagnosis With Dr. Joseph Quinn

Jan 1, 2025
Dr. Joseph Quinn, a prominent professor at Oregon Health & Science University, dives into the groundbreaking world of fluid biomarkers for dementia diagnosis. He discusses the pivotal role of cerebrospinal fluid in clinical practice and the evolving landscape of blood tests for Alzheimer's. Quinn highlights critical trials on plasma neurofilament light and GFAP, exploring their potential in tracking treatment efficacy. The conversation also touches on exciting developments and the need for precise diagnostics to enhance early treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
15:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers remain the most reliable diagnostic tool for dementia, outperforming emerging blood tests affected by comorbidities.
  • The ethical implications of diagnosing asymptomatic Alzheimer's patients highlight the need for caution due to the lack of effective early intervention options.

Deep dives

The Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers play a crucial role in the diagnosis of dementia, especially with the emergence of FDA-approved treatments that necessitate accurate pathological diagnoses. While advancements such as PET scans exist for visualizing amyloid and tau proteins, they are often costly and less accessible. In contrast, CSF analysis remains the most reliable option for clinicians, with A-beta, tau, and P-tau being critical biomarkers for making informed diagnoses. Despite new developments in blood tests showing promise, current evidence suggests that CSF biomarkers provide the most consistent results in identifying neurodegenerative diseases.

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