NeuroTrax and the Power of Predictive Biomarkers

The future of cognitive medicine lies in predictive biomarkers, blood- and physiology-based indicators that can presage cognitive decline before symptoms emerge. NeuroTrax digital cognitive testing has been at the forefront of integrating these biomarkers into research and clinical assessment.

In studies of older adults with cardiovascular disease, NeuroTrax assessments revealed that plasma lipids and apolipoproteins predict accelerated cognitive decline nearly two decades later. Specifically, higher Apo-B and LDL-C levels were linked to greater declines in memory and visual spatial function, highlighting the potential of lipid biomarkers to indicate risk for later-life cognitive impairment [1].

Serum uric acid (UA), a natural antioxidant, has also been investigated using NeuroTrax assessments. Lower UA levels were associated with poorer global cognition, memory, and executive function a decade later, highlighting the connection between oxidative stress, vascular burden, and cognitive outcomes [2].

Additionally, cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) measured by transcranial doppler as a physiological biomarker has been shown to correlate with executive function and global cognitive performance. Impaired CVR, especially in the presence of carotid large-vessel disease, predicted reduced cognitive scores across multiple domains, emphasizing the importance of microvascular health in maintaining brain function [3].

NeuroTrax’s platform allows researchers to combine digital cognitive assessments with biomarker data seamlessly, creating a comprehensive view of brain health. By capturing subtle changes in cognitive function alongside blood and vascular indicators, NeuroTrax facilitates early risk identification and supports precision interventions tailored to individual patients.

As biomarker research expands, the integration of these measures (e.g., p-tau217 for Alzheimer’s disease) with standardized digital cognitive testing promises more accurate prediction and monitoring of brain health. NeuroTrax enables this next-generation approach, bridging the gap between lab-based biomarkers and clinically actionable insights.

Ready to complement your biomarker metrics with objective digital cognitive outcomes? Contact NeuroTrax today.

References:

[1] Lutski, M., Weinstein, G., Goldbourt, U., and Tanne, D. (2019). Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and subsequent cognitive decline in men with coronary heart disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 67, 827–837. PMID: 30664505

[2] Molshatzki, N., Weinstein, G., Streifler, J.Y., Goldbourt, U., and Tanne, D. (2015). Serum uric acid and subsequent cognitive performance in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. PloS One, 10: e0120862. PMID: 25794156