Scientists at the Janssen Prevention Center have published their research into potential biomarkers of risk for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. The findings were published in the March 2017 edition of Acta Neuropathologica. Authored by Gabriel Pascual, Associate Scientific Director at the Janssen Prevention Center, et al, the paper describes the wide range of antibodies against abnormal tau protein that can be found in individuals without any symptoms of the disease. Abnormal tau protein is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
The work, led by Jaap Goudsmit, formerly Global Head of the Janssen Prevention Center, advances the search for novel biomarkers that could be used to measure a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, based on a non-invasive blood test. Such biomarkers could also guide the development of preventive interventions to protect people who are at risk for Alzheimer’s from developing this devastating illness.
Frank de Wolf, Global Head, Janssen Prevention Center, said, “These results are an important milestone for Janssen’s prevention research into Alzheimer’s disease. Together with our efforts to mark the differences in risk for age-related diseases in healthy individuals, it is another step towards keeping people healthy and vital for life.”
The research paper, entitled “Immunological memory to hyperphosphorylated tau in asymptomatic individuals,” can be viewed here.