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

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-59727-w