A biochemical analysis of beta-amyloid 42 and homocysteine in Alzheimer's and mild cognitively impaired persons

The purpose of this study was to examine the central question of whether or not the biological markers of beta-amyloid 42 peptide (Abeta-42) and homocysteine (tHCY) present significantly altered values in persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A critical review of the literature revealed vast perspectives associated with AD onset, involving correlations among biochemical markers, diet, and genetics. However, an important gap in the current research remained regarding the assessment of plasma tHCY and its relationship to AD and Abeta-42. Therefore, a research study was conducted which measured Abeta-42 and tHCY in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in AD and MCI patients. A non-manipulated, quantitative research design was employed using archived datasets from Akershus and Columbia Universities, involving persons diagnosed with AD (N = 148) and MCI (N = 71). Analysis of Variance and Pearson correlation techniques were used to analyze the CSF and plasma Abeta-42 and tHCY values from patients in the archived datasets. Results from the analyses indicated that (a) AD persons evidenced lower CSF Abeta-42 than their MCI counterparts, and (b) there was a positive correlation between Abeta-42 and plasma tHCY among the AD group. The findings from this study clarify existing relationships among AD and MCI patients, and their associated, biochemical levels of Abeta-42 and tHCY. These findings present an important contribution to the literature, and enhance social change initiatives through continued investigation of biomedical factors associated with dementia. Furthermore, the findings provide directions for medical and scientific research, which may identify effective preventions and treatments of this devastating disease.