EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: THE IMPACT OF METABOLIC DISRUPTIONS AND BIOLOGICAL MARKERS

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, affecting millions of people globally, especially among the elderly. However, early diagnosis remains a major challenge, as early signs, such as memory impairments and mild cognitive impairments, are often mistaken for normal aging or other diseases. This article aims to analyze the main challenges involved in early identification of AD. The research was based on a comprehensive literature review using the PubMed and Scielo databases. The terms "Alzheimer's disease", "Biomarkers" and "Metabolism" were used in combination with the Boolean operator "AND". The review revealed that early diagnosis of AD remains complex due to the similarity of its early symptoms with other neurodegenerative conditions (such as vascular dementia) and healthy aging. Despite this, important advances are being made in the field of biomarkers, including analyses of body fluids, such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as in studies of brain metabolic alterations. However, challenges remain, such as the need for robust clinical validation, greater standardization, and increased access to these technologies in healthcare settings. Advances in functional neuroimaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been instrumental in identifying early metabolic alterations in the brain related to AD. Furthermore, the combination of biomarkers with methods for analyzing brain metabolism shows promise for more accurate and early detection of the disease. However, additional efforts are needed to integrate these tools into clinical practice in an efficient and accessible way. The reviewed studies suggest that the combined use of biological biomarkers, advanced neuroimaging technologies, and brain metabolic analysis can facilitate the early identification of AD. This, in turn, offers a unique opportunity for therapeutic interventions at early stages, before neurological damage becomes irreversible. However, for this to become a reality, it is essential to continue investing in the standardization and validation of these methodologies, in addition to promoting greater accessibility to innovative technologies.