2016 Participants
Emily Collins
The number of people suffering with dementia is steadily rising. There are approximately 7.7 million new cases each year, the majority due to Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms show great variability and can include cognitive impairment, behavioural and mood changes.
Symptom variability and the lack of reliable tests makes diagnosis and treatment challenging. Molecules known as bio markers could allow for specific and sensitive diagnosis. They could also monitor disease progression and the effects of treatment.
My project investigated the use of whole blood proteins as dementia bio markers. Initial screening highlighted three dementia related proteins. Data collected has shown that these proteins can discriminate between normal ageing and dementia. They can also differentiate between distinct dementia sub types and therefore are promising bio markers.
Funding source: Newcastle University
Supervisor: Prof Elizabeta B. Mukaetova-Ladinska