Biomarkers are hypothesized but not frequently used in research with the elderly because
of a general paucity of supportive scientific data. However, there is an obvious need
for greater diagnostic specificity and sensitivity across many diagnoses in the elderly,
as well as good targets for therapeutic trials. The authors reviewed the available
information in this field as part of a general review of geriatric research for the
American Psychiatric Association 1994
. Potential biomarkers with pathophysiologic significance have been studied in the
field of Alzheimer disease research with some success, especially in the area of genetic
markers (apolipoprotein E [APOE] ε4 allele), neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid
markers (beta-amyloid and tau). While some progress has been made in the search for
adequate biomarkers in the elderly, in particular with Alzheimer disease, much more
work is needed before these potential biomarkers can be reliably used in clinical
practice.Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 14, 2005
Accepted:
May 10,
2005
Received in revised form:
May 4,
2005
Received:
December 2,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
