Relationship between cerebrospinal fluid neurobiomarkers and symptoms in older patients with cognitive impairment: an observational clinical study

This study was conducted to investigate cerebrospinal fluid neurobiomarker levels in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment and their correlation with clinical symptoms such as cognitive abilities, psychiatric symptoms, and self-care abilities. We collected data from 250 elderly patients suffering from cognitive impairment, with all participants being admitted to hospital. Neurobiomarker levels were tested by single-molecule immunoassay after cerebrospinal fluid specimens were obtained by lumbar puncture. Two trained neurologists jointly examined and questioned the rated patients, applying various scales. Aβ42, t-tau and p-tau181 not only affect elderly patients' cognition but also are correlated with neuropsychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety), while α-synuclein (α-syn) is significantly associated with elderly patients' mental status such as anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, self-care ability is affected by the multiplicity of multiple biomarkers such as p-tau181, α-syn, and t-tau/Aβ42. This study reveals the associations between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and cognitive, psychiatric, and self-care symptoms in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. Aβ, tau, and α-syn each have characteristic association patterns, providing biomarker references for clinical assessment. Longitudinal studies are still needed to verify causality and clinical translation value.