Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in the brain. Abeta is derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta- and gamma-secretases, with the beta form (sAPPbeta) being associated with the disease state, and the alpha form (sAPPalpha) being associated with the non-disease state. The present inventor proposes that defined the ratio of sAPPalpha to sAPPbeta or the ratio of CTFalpha to CTFbeta provide and accurate diagnosis of the disease, as well as a predictor for asymptomatic patients at risk of developing AD. In addition, drug screening and monitoring of treatment effectiveness can exploit this same sAPPalpha/sAPPbeta or CTFalpha/CTFbeta ratio.
Diagnosis and Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease