Blood-Based Biomarkers in Early Detection of Cognitive Decline

A recent prospective cohort study shows that plasma biomarkers can predict which patients presenting with subjective cognitive decline will progress to mild cognitive impairment or dementia, creating an earlier window for risk discussion and care planning.

Key plasma analytes under study—Aβ42/40, p-tau217, GFAP, and neurofilament light chain (NfL)—collectively show predictive value for clinical progression from subjective complaints to objective impairment.

Higher baseline levels of p-tau217 correlate with greater risk of progression to MCI or dementia, positioning it as a primary stratifier for near-term clinical decline. GFAP and NfL provide complementary information, separating astroglial activation from ongoing neuroaxonal injury, and together, they refine prognostic granularity beyond any single marker.

Key Takeaways:

• Blood-based biomarker panels (Aβ42/40, p-tau217, GFAP, NfL) may enable earlier identification of patients at elevated risk for progression.
• Baseline p-tau217 levels appear to identify higher-risk individuals, while GFAP and NfL further differentiate astroglial activation and neurodegeneration, informing monitoring intensity.