SERUM LEVELS OF THE IRON-BINDING PROTEIN P97 ARE ELEVATED IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and incurable disease whose preva lence increases dramatically with age. A biochemical marker for monito ring the onset and progression of the disease would be a valuable tool for disease management. In addition, such a marker might be used as a n end point in clinical intervention protocols. Here we provide eviden ce that the soluble form of the iron binding protein p97 is found in e levated amounts in the serum of Alzheimer's patients compared with hea lthy controls. This biochemical marker has the potential for identifyi ng subjects afflicted with the disease and possibly for monitoring the onset and longitudinal progression of the disease.