Background: The panel of fluid- and imaging-based biomarkers available for neurodegenerative disease research is
growing and has the potential to close important gaps in research and the clinic. With this growth and increasing use,
appropriate implementation and interpretation are paramount. Various biomarkers feature nuanced differences in
strengths, limitations, and biases that must be considered when investigating disease etiology and clinical utility. For
example, neuropathological investigations of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis can fall in disagreement with conclusions
reached by biomarker-based investigations. Considering the varied strengths, limitations, and biases of different research
methodologies and approaches may help harmonize disciplines within the neurodegenerative disease field.
Purpose of review: Along with separate review articles covering fluid and imaging biomarkers in this issue of Alzheimer’s
Research and Therapy, we present the result of a discussion from the 2019 Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases
course at the University College London. Here, we discuss themes of biomarker use in neurodegenerative disease
research, commenting on appropriate use, interpretation, and considerations for implementation across different
neurodegenerative diseases. We also draw attention to areas where biomarker use can be combined with other
disciplines to understand issues of pathophysiology and etiology underlying dementia. Lastly, we highlight novel
modalities that have been proposed in the landscape of neurodegenerative disease research and care
