Current Methods in Clinical Alzheimer's Disease Research and Diagnosis.

Abstract

Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is crucial for enabling timely intervention and improving patient outcomes. Recent advancements in molecular and imaging methodologies have significantly enhanced the detection of Alzheimer's disease at its early stages and have improved the quality of research in the field. Key molecular approaches include the identification of biomarkers such as amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles, which are central to Alzheimer's disease pathology. These biomarkers can be detected through biofluid analysis or imaging methods, offering high sensitivity, however with disadvantages, which are discussed here. Despite the transition of some of these methods from research settings to clinical practice, several challenges persist, including the need for standardisation across diagnostic platforms and ensuring the accessibility of these advanced technologies within diverse healthcare systems. Additionally, the high cost and requirement for specialised expertise remain significant barriers. Here, we discuss the need to improve the effectiveness of early AD diagnosis, the ongoing research that is being conducted to refine biomarker detection, enhance imaging techniques and develop more cost-effective non-invasive diagnostic approaches. These advancements are essential to overcoming current limitations and ensuring a broader application in clinical settings.