Biomarkers are biological measures that examine normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention. In the field of neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), biomarkers have become increasingly important to understanding the biology of these diseases. While neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid are the most well-known biomarkers in AD and VaD, blood-based biomarkers have recently emerged as an important biomarker with great potential. In addition, genes may play a key role in the pathophysiology of neurocognitive diseases and progress in genetic studies have uncovered various susceptibility genes.
The development of biomarkers in neurocognitive disease, which involves a multistep process, relies on various methodologies such as neuroimaging, biochemical techniques and omics technologies in different biofluids. This involves a close collaboration between basic science studies and clinical research so as to support a successful translation from bench research to clinical utility.
In this symposium, the speakers will deliver the key roles of basic science research, clinical studies and genetics in the pathophysiology of neurocognitive diseases such as AD and VaD, focusing on the importance of collaboration between basic science studies and clinical research.
