The use of biofluid biomarkers in dementia: implementation in clinical practice and breaking new grounds

In the first part of this thesis we utilized CSF biomarkers to deepen our knowledge regarding neuropathological differences between women and men in dementia. We found differences in CSF biomarker concentrations between women and men in dementia with Lewy bodies and throughout the clinical spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease . Biofluid biomarkers, in particular CSF biomarkers, have led to a better diagnostic accuracy compared to the use of AD clinical criteria. Promoting the implementation of current biomarkers in secondary or tertiary care is, therefore, paramount. In the second part of this thesis, we aimed to facilitate the implementation of current AD CSF biomarkers in clinical practice, a critical step for the bench-to-bedside translation of scientific findings. In the third part of this thesis, we focused on the discovery and clinical validation of novel biomarkers for AD and non-AD dementias in an easily accessible body fluid such as blood. The findings of this thesis can be used to facilitate personalized biological diagnosis based on a person’s phenotype (e.g. sex) and in-vivo pathological changes using biofluid biomarkers. This knowledge can be instrumental to accelerate the development of tailor made disease modifying therapies.