Abstract INTRODUCTION We investigated how plasma biomarkers (phosphorylated tau 217 ptau 217 , glial fibrillary acidic protein GFAP, neurofilament light chain NfL) relate to imaging markers of small vessel disease (SVD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cognition in memory clinic patients. METHODS 76 memory clinic patients underwent plasma biomarker assessment, neuropsychological testing, and 3T MRI. SVD burden was assessed using white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, mean skeletonized mean diffusivity (MSMD), and fiber density. AD‐related neurodegeneration was captured by AD‐signature cortical thickness and fiber‐bundle cross‐section. Findings were validated in 41 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants with amyloid‐/tau‐positron emission tomography (PET). RESULTS Associations varied between biomarkers. NfL showed strongest associations with SVD burden, ptau 217 with AD‐related neurodegeneration, while GFAP was linked to both. SVD markers were associated with processing speed, whereas AD markers were most associated with memory. DISCUSSION NfL relates to SVD burden, while ptau 217 remains most sensitive to AD‐related biomarkers. GFAP's dual associations suggest overlapping biological processes. Together, coexisting SVD should be considered when interpreting plasma biomarkers in memory clinic patients.
Dewenter et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: