The measurement of GSK-3 in circulating white cells is a useful early diagnostic marker and potential therapy for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating and prevalent condition for which there is neither adequate diagnosis nor treatment. Diagnosis is, by definition in this condition, uncertain in life and treatments are symptomatic only. However, significant progress has been made towards understanding the molecular pathogenesis of AD. Increasing evidence has suggested that the two AD processes: the formation of amyloid plaques and the aggregation of tau are linked through the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). The measurement of GSK-3 in circulating white cells is a useful early diagnostic marker for AD. GSK-3 was also found to be elevated in patients with mild cognitive impairment which is widely taken as a prodromal or very early stage of AD. GSK3 is a peripheral diagnostic marker in readily available tissue (blood) and inhibition of GSK-3 might be a useful therapeutic strategy.

Early Stage

A UK patent application has been filed.

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