CSF tau protein phosphorylated at threonine 231 correlates with cognitive decline in MCI subjects

Abstract

In this longitudinal study of 77 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the authors analyzed whether levels of tau protein phosphorylated at threonine 231 (p-tau₂₃₁) in CSF correlate with progression of cognitive decline. High CSF p-tau₂₃₁ levels at baseline, but not total tau protein levels, correlated with cognitive decline and conversion from MCI to AD. Independently, old age and APOE-ε4 carrier status were predictive as well. Our data indicate that an increased p-tau₂₃₁ level is a potential risk factor for cognitive decline in patients with MCI.