BIOFACE - Study of Biomarkers in early-onset mild cognitive impairment at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona

Despite the fact that age is the main risk factor for the development of dementia, cognitive decline can also manifest itself at younger ages. Early-onset dementia is a serious health and social problem, since it affects people in the productive years of their working lives and with economic and family responsibilities.

In view of the evidence, the study of biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in vesicles such as plasma neuronal exosomes (PNS), capable of making an early diagnosis of the disease, is especially urgent in the group of younger people, where the differentiation of a neurodegenerative process from other causes of cognitive impairment has important occupational, social and family implications.

BIOFACE analyses different biomarkers (neuroimaging, genetic and biochemical) in order to assess whether these can be a useful diagnostic tool for mild cognitive impairment in people under 65. This clinical study, of 2 years of follow-up, observes the evolution of people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment of presenile initiation at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona. It is expected that around 200 people will end up participating in the study.

BIOFACE researchers are evaluating a panel of biomarkers in plasma exosomes of neural origin, brain magnetic resonance and biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in the cerebrospinal fluid. They also study comorbidities, psychoemotional factor scales, neurological exploration and neuropsychological performance.

Each patient will make 3 different visits throughout the study: a baseline visit (BV) and two follow-up visits (V1 and V2, respectively). The follow-up visits, which will serve to determine which subjects with cognitive impairment convert to dementia, will be separated from each other by one year.