Plasma tau protein and Aβ42 level as markers of cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND

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).

OBJECTIVES

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.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.