Biomarkers of Cognitive Impairment in Blood Cells

Use of Human Blood Cells for the Identification of Early Biomarkers of Cognitive Damage

The aim of this study is to identify transcriptomic biomarkers in blood cells to diagnose early cognitive impairment. This would allow preventing the development of severe pathologies, such as Alzheimer Disease. In addition, this project will analyse the influence of adiposity, obesity, nutritional habits and physical activity on cognition.

Blood cells constitute a minimally invasive material, which is presented as potentially suitable for addressing the identification of clinical diagnostic biomarkers. This study will compare gene expression in blood cells of patients with various degrees of cognitive alteration (mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease and dementia due to Alzheimer's Disease) compared to control individuals, to identify early biomarkers of impaired cognition. The availability of non-invasive early biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction is highly relevant in the field of public health, from the point of view of being able to prevent or delay the onset and/or progression of dementia and other cognitive disorders. In addition, it is intended to establish the association between the biomarkers identified with nutritional imbalances and increased adiposity/obesity.

1. Control group

   Inclusion criteria:

   • Age between 55-80 years
   • Absence of cognitive symptoms
   • Normal neuropsychological examination, (Clinical Dementia Rating, CDR = 0)

   Exclusion criteria:

   • Any disease that could influence their cognitive performance or blood cell parameters.

2. Group with Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease (MCI group)

   Inclusion criteria:

   • Age between 55-80 years
   • Established diagnosis of MCI
   • Cognitive deficit of 1.5 standard deviation in at least one of the neuropsychological tests performed, with no relevant functional repercussion (Functional Activities Questionnaire, FAQ<7 and CDR≤0.5)

3. Group with Dementia Due to Alzheimer Disease (AD)

Inclusion criteria:

• Age between 55-80 years
• Established diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
• CDR ≥ 0.5 and positive AD markers in cerebrospinal fluid