The utility of mTOR signalling pathway dysregulation and mutational profiling in the risk stratification for future cognitive decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

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This project will evaluate the clinical utility of mTOR signalling pathway dysregulation and DNA sequence profiling in the risk stratification for future cognitive decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway has been identified as a risk factor in the development of AD. This project will confirm that proprietary biomarkers are an effective surrogate of demonstrating this dysregulation. MCI may be a prodromal state for AD (Alzheimer's Disease) and 50-60% of these patients are at high risk of progression to AD. Current prognostic methods for AD are only 25-30% accurate in early MCI. The lack of validated biomarkers hampers clinical management of AD and the production of new therapies. This project will study a large cohort of affected patients to demonstrate the validity of a panel of identified at-risk AD biomarkers. Such a prognostic test is essential to enable meaningful clinical trials of emergent AD therapies. This project aligns well with the aims of the UK Dementia Challenge, re-stated by the Prime Minister at the recent G8 Dementia Summit.