Salivary abeta42 levels as prognostic indicators for alzheimer's disease

A method for evaluating risk for developing Alzheimer's disease in a subject, the method comprising:

• obtaining a saliva sample from the subject;
• stabilizing the saliva sample;
• measuring the level of Abeta42 present in the stabilized saliva sample by contacting the stabilized saliva sample with a non-human antibody capable of binding to Abeta42;
• comparing the determined level of the Abeta42 with that of a control level of Abeta42 derived from a saliva sample of an unaffected control group sample;
• and
• displaying the comparison of the determined level and the control level, wherein the determined level being greater than the control level is indicative of the subject being at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.

A method of measuring the level of salivary Abeta42 in a subject, the method comprising:

• obtaining a saliva sample from the subject;
• stabilizing the saliva sample;
• and
• contacting the stabilized saliva sample with a non-human polyclonal antibody capable of binding to Abeta42;
• and
• contacting the stabilized saliva sample with a non-human monoclonal antibody capable of binding to Abeta42.

A kit for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a subject, the kit comprising:

• a sterile plastic tube for collecting a saliva sample from the subject;
• at least one binding agent, wherein the binding agent is an antibody capable of binding to salivary Abeta42;
• a calibration standard;
• and
• a control saliva sample obtained from an unaffected control group sample.

A method of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in a subject, comprising:

• obtaining a saliva sample from the subject;
• stabilizing the saliva sample;
• measuring the level of Abeta42 present in the stabilized saliva sample by contacting the stabilized saliva sample with a non-human antibody capable of binding to Abeta42;
• comparing the determined level of the Abeta42 with that of a control level of Abeta42 derived from a saliva sample of an unaffected control group sample;
• displaying the comparison of the determined level and the control level, wherein the determined level being greater than the control level by at least a factor of 1.5 or at least a factor of 2 is indicative of the subject being at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease;
• and
• reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the subject being at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease by administering to an subject anti-inflammatory agent.