Elevated cerebrospinal fluid tau protein level as a predictor of dementia in memory-impaired individuals

In order to investigate whether measurement of cerebrospinal fluid tau (CSF-tau) protein levels serves to detect Alzheimer's disease (AD) in its incipient stages, the CSF-tau levels were examined in 15 memory-impaired, but non-demented individuals. In 10 patients who later progressed to develop AD, the entry CSF-tau levels were significantly increased compared to five patients who remained non-demented during follow-up. Elevated CSF-tau levels may therefore serve as a predictor of progression to dementia consistent with AD.