Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker for Cognitive Decline in Parkinson Disease

Mov Disord. 2021 Dec;36(12):2945-2950. doi: 10.1002/mds.28779. Epub 2021 Sep 4.

Abstract

Background: Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) is a promising biomarker of neurodegeneration.

Objectives: To determine whether plasma and CSF NfL (1) associate with motor or cognitive status in Parkinson's disease (PD) and (2) predict future motor or cognitive decline in PD.

Methods: Six hundred and fifteen participants with neurodegenerative diseases, including 152 PD and 200 healthy control participants, provided a plasma and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NfL sample. Diagnostic groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis rank test. Within PD, cross-sectional associations between NfL and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS-III) and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS-2) scores were assessed by linear regression; longitudinal analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects models and Cox regression.

Results: Plasma and CSF NfL levels correlated substantially (Spearman r = 0.64, P < 0.001); NfL was highest in neurocognitive disorders. PD participants with high plasma NfL were more likely to develop incident cognitive impairment (HR 5.34, P = 0.005).

Conclusions: Plasma NfL is a useful prognostic biomarker for PD, predicting clinical conversion to mild cognitive impairment or dementia. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Keywords: NfL; Parkinson's disease; biomarkers; neurofilament light chain protein; prognosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / diagnosis
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / etiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Intermediate Filaments / metabolism
  • Parkinson Disease* / complications
  • Parkinson Disease* / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers