Biomarkers In Dementia: Focus On Global Communities With Disparities

Neurodegenerative diseases are witnessing a surge in prevalence, primarily driven by population aging, pressing the need for advancements in public health strategies. Early and accurate diagnosis of these diseases is crucial for better therapeutic management. Research into modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease is focused on diagnosing the disease at an increasingly earlier age, with developed countries increasingly adopting the use of plasma biomarkers as practical alternatives to expensive molecular imaging or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests, which are less accessible and more expensive. However, current research largely overlooks diverse racial and socio-economic groups, particularly those from underdeveloped countries and vulnerable communities, such as individuals with lower educational backgrounds, leading to a substantial gap in the universal applicability of research findings.

This Research Topic aims to bridge this significant gap by expanding the knowledge of biomarker usage in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and management within underdeveloped countries, more specifically Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative dementias. We aim to identify prevalent methodologies and clarify their primary applications, whether in research settings or clinical practice, and determine the scope of their use, from specialized neurodegenerative disease centers to primary care environments. This collection could also help inform possible cutoff points for biomarkers in populations poorly represented in large centers, as well as evaluating more accessible methods developed in underprivileged areas.

To gather further insights into this critical area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Evaluations of fluid biomarker accuracy in populations usually underrepresented in studies from developed countries, including minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups

- Comparisons of plasma biomarkers to traditional CSF biomarkers in different medical settings, from primary care to tertiary care facilities.

- Studies comparing biomarker efficacy with standard clinical diagnoses, cognitive tests, and neuropsychological evaluations.

- Research on the influence of physical activities on biomarker levels in neurodegenerative dementia patients.

- Studies on this theme carried out in underdeveloped countries

In pursuit of a comprehensive understanding, we particularly encourage submissions of longitudinal studies with control groups and high-quality systematic reviews that delve specifically into the use of biomarkers in our target demographics. However, well-structured cross-sectional studies will also be considered to contribute to this growing field.

Disclaimer: Dr. Gustavo Alves is a speaker for Pfizer in relation to antibiotic therapy and a speaker for Sanofi in relation to drug Dipirona