Protein and Beta-amyloid as Diagnostic Markers for Alzheimer’s Disease (Pilot Study) Background: Several studies were performed focused on the possibilities to utilize biochemical markers in the diagnostics of Alzheimer disease (AD) during the last years. Tau protein level increase, and beta-amyloid (1-42) level decrase were found in the cerebrospinal fl uid (CSF) in AD patients. Methods_ In a hospital-based study, laboratory assessment of tau protein and beta-amyloid(1-42), CSF levels was performed in 21 patients with dementia,and a control group of 21 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Genetic typing of apolipoprotein APO E, and comparison of the result of both biochemical, and genetic examinations were also performed in dementia patients. Results: Tau protein CSF level was elevated in 67% of AD patients, 67% of patients with vascular dementia (VD), and 17% of patients with mixed type of dementia(MD).Beta.amyloid (1-42) CFS level decrease was present in 67% of AD, 33% of VD, and 33% of MD patients. Concurrent tau protein level increase and beta-amyloid level decrease was found in 50% of AD, 22% of VD, and 0% of MD patients. Tau protein level was not increased in any control group subject; beta-.amyloid (1-42) level decrease was present in 81% of these cases. The confi rmation of clinical diagnosis of AD based on the evaluation of tau protein and beta-amyloid ratio was secure in 50%, and borderline in 33% of the cases. The confi rmatiom of clinical diagnosis of AD based on the evaluation of tau protein and beta-amyloid ratio was secure in 50%, and borderline in 33% of cases. Conclusion: The assessment ot tau protein and beta-amyloid (1-42) CSF levels may be of benefi t in the diagnosis of AD.

        Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, beta-amyloid(1-42), tau protein, Apo E apolipoprotein, diagnostics.