AAN 2022 | Predicting conversion to Alzheimer’s disease with plasma NfL

Giulia Giacomucci, MD, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, says that plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels are a non-specific biomarker, since they not only increase in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but also in other neurodegenerative disorders. In the dementia space, differences have been highlighted between the plasma NfL levels in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients positive for amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology and those negative for it, as well as differences between the MCI and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) cohort. This demonstrates that NfL levels can be used as a biomarker in preclinical and early phases of AD. Currently, Dr Giacomucci’s research continues with collecting more blood samples to analyze plasma NfL levels in SCD populations. These are an interesting group to study, especially to find ways to identify patients that will convert to AD. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology 2022 Congress in Seattle, WA.