Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
BACKGROUND: Early detection of Alzheimer disease (AD) is crucial; however, standard neuropsychological tests often lack sensitivity. Process scores, such as proper name (PN) recall from Logical Memory, may improve the detection of AD-related biomarker positivity. We examined whether baseline PN recall predicted future cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid (Aβ42/Aβ40) and tau (pTau 181 ) status, and whether biomarker status predicted PN recall trajectories. METHODS: We analyzed 271 cognitively unimpaired BIOCARD participants (mean age=57.3, 60.3% female, mean follow-up=15.5) using logistic regression and mixed-effects models to examine the associations between PN recall and CSF biomarkers. RESULTS: Higher baseline PN recall predicted lower amyloid positivity odds ratio (OR)=0.72, P =0.015. Amyloid and tau positivity have been linked to a faster decline in PN. Biomarker-positive participants in the biomarker-negative group lacked practice effects. CONCLUSIONS: PN recall predicts future AD biomarker positivity and may enhance early detection of AD-related cognitive decline.
Mueller et al. (Wed,) studied this question.