Biomarkers in dementia with Lewy bodies: αSyn RT-QuIC

Estrella Morenas-Rodriguez, MD, PhD, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany, discusses investigations into biomarkers of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Currently, a definitive diagnosis of DLB relies on the presence of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregates identified postmortem. Thus, there is a growing interest in molecular markers that can provide diagnostic and prognostic information to improve early and accurate disease identification. The recent development of the real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay represents a promising step forward, as the technique enables ultrasensitive detection of αSyn in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). RT-QuIC continues to be investigated as a potential biomarker to improve early and differential diagnosis, and monitor treatment efficacy in clinical trials. Dr Morenas-Rodriguez also mentions studies of TREM2 in DLB, which has been shown to associate with amyloid, tau, and cognition in Alzheimer's disease. This interview took place at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2022 in San Diego, CA.