Correlation of longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers with cognitive decline in healthy older adults

Abstract

Background: Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker levels predict development of Alzheimer disease with good accuracy and are thought to precede cognitive deterioration. Objective: To investigate whether changes in CSF biomarker levels over time in healthy older adults are associated with a concurrent decline in cognitive performance. Design: Retrospective analysis of longitudinal CSF biomarker levels and clinical data. Setting: A combined academic dementia disorder research center and dementia clinic. Participants: Thirty-seven cognitively healthy older volunteers (mean age, 73 years). Main Outcome Measures: Longitudinal CSF total tau protein, hyperphosphorylated tau protein 181, and β-amyloid1-42 protein levels and cognitive assessments at baseline and at follow-up 4 years later. Results: Low levels of CSF β-amyloid1-42 protein at follow-up were associated with decreased delayed word recall score on the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (rs=-0.437, P