Exploring Alzheimer’s diseases with focus on diagnostic strategies targeting amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioural changes. AD is caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, glucose hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and vascular impairments. Central to its pathophysiology is the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides particularly the Aβ42 isoform which plays a critical role in disease onset and progression. Over the past decade, the application of advanced analytical techniques has significantly enhanced our understanding of Aβ42 structural properties, aggregation behaviour, and its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. A wide spectrum of methodologies including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), mass spectrometry, positron emission tomography (PET), fluorescence-based assays, and nanoparticle-assisted electrochemical detection have emerged to detect and quantify Aβ42 with high specificity and sensitivity. These complementary approaches enable comprehensive monitoring of Aβ42 dynamics across different stages of AD, offering promising avenues for early diagnosis, patient stratification, and targeted therapeutic intervention. Continued innovation and integration of these technologies are imperative to address the growing global burden of Alzheimer’s disease and to facilitate the development of precision medicine strategies.