Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a characteristic clinical picture. Apart from classical movement disorders, a significant role is also played by non-motor symptoms, in particular cognitive impairments, which have a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients. Tau protein and amyloid beta are well-known non-specific biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study assessed the practical value of determining tau protein and amyloid beta (Aβ42) in the blood serum of patients with PD and their relationship with cognitive impairments, radiographic image and the used dose of L-DOPA. The neuropsychological assessment was carried for 64 patients with PD. The levels of amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ42) and tau proteins in serum were also measured. The Aβ42 level in the serum was statistically higher in patients with longer duration of the disease (p < 0.05) and those who were taking a higher dose of L-DOPA (p < 0.05). The average level of tau protein in the serum was slightly lower in the study groups than in the control group and showed no statistical significance. No correlation was found between the levels of tau protein and Aβ42 and the results of neuropsychological tests. Tau protein correlated with hippocampal atrophy (p < 0.05). Serum levels of Aβ42 and tau protein in PD may be a useful marker for the assessment of cognitive impairments. The role of L-DOPA in the process of dementia in PD remains unclear.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a characteristic clinical picture.[1]
Apart from classical movement disorders, a significant role is played by non-motor symptoms, in particular cognitive impairments, which have a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients
Serum levels of Aβ42 and tau protein in PD may be a useful marker for the assessment of cognitive impairments
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a characteristic clinical picture.[1] An important role in PD is played by non-motor symptoms.[2] Special significance is given to cognitive disturbances, which can evolve to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Dementia in PD occurs in about 40% of patients and the risk of cognitive disorders in this group is about 6 times greater than in the general population and increases with the duration of the disease.[3] The search continues for specific biomarkers for PD in body fluids. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a characteristic clinical picture. Apart from classical movement disorders, a significant role is played by non-motor symptoms, in particular cognitive impairments, which have a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients. Tau protein and amyloid beta are well-known non-specific biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
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