Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:641

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX641

Authors:
Martínez Heras, Maria Pilar

Abstract:
Contributions and new knowledge the thesis brings forward Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative process which is characterized for presenting a progressive and irreversible loss of the cognitive function. The clinical diagnosis is based on a neurological test and the exclusion of other dementia causes. The laboratory studies like thyroid function and vitamin B 12, and neuroimaging help to exclude other causes of cognitive impairment, but specific diagnosis tests do not exist for this disease, except for anatomopathological confirmation. To establish the diagnosis of AD new biomarkers are investigated, and up to now none have been recommended as diagnosis criteria. Age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but undoubtedly the most significant finding in the pathogenesis of AD has been the increase in the frequency of the allele E4 of the Apo E. The genetic characterization of Apo E determines serum Apo E concentrations in a high percentage. Therefore, our hypothesis is that the serum Apo E concentrations, brought about to a certain extent by the Apo E genotype, may determine the onset of AD and modify its clinical presentation.The relevance of this thesis is that it establishes the relation between serum ApoE concentrations and AD, as well as its relation with the Apo E genotype. It also rates the relation between neurological symptoms of AD, serum Apo E concentrations and the distinct genotypes.Methodology used and more relevant conclusionsA case-control study was conducted in Sant Joan de Reus Hospital and Mora d'Ebre Hospital on 93 patients diagnosed of AD and 96 controls, which was carried out in cooperation with the ApoEurope project, a multicentric study coordinated by Nancy (France), in which 9 European countries took part