Measurable biological indicators that reflect the structural integrity, functional status, or pathological processes within the central nervous system related to cognitive performance. These markers can include specific proteins, metabolites, genetic variants, or physiological measures detectable in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or through advanced imaging techniques. They serve as objective clinical tools for assessing and monitoring neurological health and cognitive decline.
Origin
The term combines ‘cognitive,’ relating to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, with ‘biomarkers,’ a contraction of ‘biological markers’ first used in the 1980s. The development of cognitive biomarkers stems from advancements in neuroendocrinology and laboratory medicine, aiming to translate subjective cognitive complaints into quantifiable, objective data. This field is crucial for early detection and precision intervention in neurodegenerative disorders.
Mechanism
These biomarkers function by providing a quantifiable window into the complex biochemical pathways underpinning neuronal communication and survival. For instance, specific peptide fragments or altered neurotransmitter levels may indicate synaptic dysfunction or neuroinflammation, which directly correlates with impaired cognitive function. Hormones like cortisol and thyroid hormones also act as indirect cognitive biomarkers by modulating neuronal excitability and cerebral blood flow.
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