New Publication from Hummingbird Diagnostics GmbH: Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using small RNAs. Results from the EPAD cohort
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, and early detection is important for better treatment. This study looked at small RNA molecules in the blood to see if they could help identify early signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in people with high levels of amyloid, a key Alzheimer’s marker. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 1,900 participants across Europe and found a group of small RNAs that could predict early memory decline. These RNA markers worked even better when combined with existing tests and may help improve early diagnosis. The study also highlighted a specific type of RNA, called small nucleolar RNA, as a promising new biomarker.
Tobias Sikosek, Marco Heuvelman, Jagoda Mika, Mustafa Kahraman, Julia Jehn, Maurice Frank, Alberto Daniel-Moreno, Jessika Ceiler, Jasmin Skottke, Marta Sanchez-Delgado, Patrick Neubert, Christina Rudolf, Kaja Tikk, Rastislav Horos, Jeffrey L. Cummings, Josie Butchart, Craig Ritchie, Jean Manson, Bruno R. Steinkraus,
Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using small RNAs. Results from the EPAD cohort,
The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease,
2025,
100257,
ISSN 2274-5807,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100257.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2274580725002006)
Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and early diagnosis is crucial to enable effective interventions. Currently, Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed through cognitive assessments, brain imaging and fluid biomarkers focused on determining amyloid (A) and, tau (T) protein levels as well as neurodegeneration (N) in the AT(N) framework. Prognostic biomarkers for predicting cognitive decline within the amyloid positive (Aβ+) individuals would further strengthen the framework.
Objectives
This study evaluated small RNAs as novel auxiliary biomarkers, independent of the AT(N) framework, either alone or in combination with established protein markers, for detecting the earliest cognitive decline in AD.
