Review of Risk Factors Associated With Biomarkers for Alzheimer Disease

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with no cure. The number of individuals living with AD doubles every 5 years. The current clinical practice relies on clinical history, mental status tests, cerebrum imaging, and physical and neurological examinations; however, recent advances in the field of biomarkers have provided clues for the early detection of AD. High levels of tau and low levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) in cerebrospinal fluid are well-known biomarkers for AD. METHODS: A database search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL was conducted to identify relevant articles published within the last 5 years. The search was limited to articles concerning adults 65 years or older and published in the English language. Twelve articles were included in the review. RESULTS: Risk factors of sleep disruption, depression, and motor function are implicated. Cerebrospinal fluid parameters for biomarkers of tau and Aβ were universally lower among Blacks compared with Whites, raising concern that norm reference may not be accurate for all populations. Older adults are more at risk for AD. Results are inconclusive regarding whether depression is related to Aβ and tau pathology. CONCLUSION: Nurses should screen for sleep architecture, depression, and motor function in their patients and educate them on good sleep hygiene. Sleep studies should be advocated for people with suspected sleep apnea to mitigate the risk factor related to abnormal Aβ and tau pathology. Falls and decreased motor function require screening because they may be early indicators of abnormal biomarkers leading to AD.