Biomarkers in the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Introduction. Neurodegenerative diseases refer to a heterogeneous set of disorders whose onset is unknown, and which progressively affect the degeneration of neuronal circuits, resulting in a progressive loss of functions such as memory, movement, and speech. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Huntington's are common examples of these diseases. Alzheimer's is caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta leading to the formation of plaques that damage neurons, Parkinson’s is a progressive degeneration of neurons in a specific region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis characterized by selective degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and Huntington's affects a region of the brain called the striatum. Objectives: To investigate and evaluate the impact and efficacy of biomarkers in the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Methodology: The writing was based on a rigorous methodology in the bibliographic review, in which transparency is prioritized in the presentation of information. All the sources consulted were duly cited and referenced, providing assurance of the traceability of the data and the possibility of verifying the information. Results: Biomarkers in the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases allow detecting alterations before clinical symptoms appear, in such a way as to facilitate the choice of effective treatments, monitoring of the disease and the personalization of therapies. This article comprehensively reviews updated information on the several types of biomarkers of neurodegenerative pathologies to provide a new overview of them. Conclusions: Biomarkers in their current and future role are considered an important tool for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Huntington's, because they allow the identification of specific abnormal proteins of each pathology in fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, blood or tissues, providing a higher degree of specificity that contributes significantly to the quality of patients' lives. General area of study: Health Sciences. Specific area of study: Clinical laboratory. Type of study: Bibliographic Review.