Multi-Biomarker Screening for Early Intervention in Alzheimer's Disease Combined with Novel Therapeutics: Lecanemab Approval and Integrated Diagnostic Solutions

Alzheimer's disease has long been considered an "incurable condition," with treatments primarily focused on alleviating symptoms rather than curing the disease. The central role of β-amyloid protein in the pathological mechanism of AD is widely recognized. In short, excessive accumulation of β-amyloid protein in the brain forms harmful plaques, similar to garbage piling up in the brain, eventually leading to the gradual death of nerve cells, affecting normal brain function, and causing dementia.

The mechanism of Lecanemab aims to neutralize and clear toxic β-amyloid aggregates in the brain, with the goal of slowing or halting the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Particularly for patients with early cognitive impairment (MCI), using this drug allows for intervention before the condition worsens, akin to "cleaning up" the brain in advance to prevent the accumulation of "garbage."

Therefore, by identifying MCI populations through early screening and implementing intervention measures such as appropriate medication, there is an opportunity to improve their cognitive status, thereby reducing the incidence of AD and slowing its progression.

Research data from multiple studies in China and abroad show that the "messengers" in our bodies—specific biomarkers in peripheral blood, urine, and other bodily fluids—play a significant indicative role in the early stages of AD onset. Certain special components in the blood, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau), can reflect possible AD pathological changes occurring in the brain. Therefore, they play an indispensable "role" in the diagnosis and treatment process of AD.^[1，2]。

China's "Chinese Expert Consensus on Simple Screening for Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease (2023 Edition)" points out that detecting Aβ and p-tau levels in the blood not only helps identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment, namely potential MCI patients, but also predicts disease progression trends.^[3]。

Moreover, "small clues" in the body, such as neurofilament light chain (NFL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), can also provide some assistance for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD); even the body’s "waste"—urine—can indicate changes in amyloid-beta content during the stage when AD has not yet significantly impacted quality of life.

Dian Diagnostics Group captures early signals of potential high-risk groups by integrating various biofluid biomarker resources, including biological information sources such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine, combined with the detection technology of key risk genes (APOE), providing rich and multidimensional scientific evidence for the precise differentiation of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Dian Diagnostics Group takes the lead in establishing an IP-MS detection platform for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research in China, marking a major innovative highlight. The platform ensures more accurate and reliable test results with its specific recognition of target biomarkers and high stability under matrix effects.

In line with China's strategic guidance for improving cognitive health in the elderly, the widespread application of these advanced biomarker screening and diagnostic tools has significantly enhanced the sensitivity of early detection, aiding clinicians in preemptive identification. Under the current favorable developments, in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, newly approved drugs can also be utilized to effectively intervene in patients with MCI, potentially slowing or even halting the progression to dementia.^[3], substantially improving the quality of life for patients.

Correspondent: Zhang Sainan

This article is for health knowledge popularization and reference only.

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