Year: 2025 | Month: February | Volume: 12 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 212-221
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250225
Biomarker Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Review
Komang Indah Permata Dewi1, I Putu Eka Widyadharma2
1Master Program in Biomedical Science, Anti-Aging Medicine, Medical Faculty, Universitas Udayana, 80234, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
2Departement of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Universitas Udayana/Prof. Dr. I.G.N. G Ngoerah, 80234, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: Komang Indah Permata Dewi
ABSTRACT
Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise due to an ageing population; moderate cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to the more serious illness. Measurable cognitive impairments that do not meet the dementia diagnostic criteria characterise mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with an annual conversion rate to dementia of 10–15%. Early detection is critical to mitigating this progression, yet standardized diagnostic criteria are lacking. This review investigates the role of plasma biomarkers, including BDNF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microRNA (miRNA), and neurofilament light chain (NfL), in the detection and prediction of MCI in elderly populations.
A systematic literature search identified 11 studies published between 2014 and 2024 that met inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests that BDNF, a neurotrophin essential for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory, is downregulated in MCI patients, though compensatory elevation in preclinical stages of dementia has been observed. VEGF, implicated in neuroprotection and angiogenesis, demonstrated inconsistent levels in MCI. Circulating miRNAs, including miR-206 and miR-132, were significantly upregulated in MCI, disrupting neuroprotective pathways through BDNF and SIRT1 downregulation. NfL, a biomarker of axonal injury, was consistently elevated in MCI patients and showed improved diagnostic specificity when combined with phosphorylated tau.
These findings underscore the potential of plasma biomarkers in improving early diagnostic precision for MCI. Integration of molecular markers into clinical frameworks could enhance screening efficacy and therapeutic targeting, though further research is necessary to standardize their application in routine medical practice.
Keywords: Biomarkers; Mild Cognitive Impairment
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