Comparison of variables associated with cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament, total-tau, and neurogranin

Three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of neurodegeneration (N) (neurofilament light [NfL], total-tau [T-tau], and neurogranin [Ng]) have been proposed under the AT(N) scheme of the National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer's Association Research Framework. We examined, in a community-based population (N = 777, aged 50–95) (1) what variables were associated with each of the CSF (N) markers, and (2) whether the variables associated with each marker differed by increased brain amyloid. CSF T-tau was measured with an automated electrochemiluminescence Elecsys immunoassay; NfL and Ng were measured with in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Multiple variables were differentially associated with CSF NfL and T-tau levels, but not Ng. Most associations were attenuated after adjustment for age and sex. T-tau had the strongest association with cognition in the presence of amyloidosis, followed by Ng. Variables associations with NfL did not differ by amyloid status. Understanding factors that influence CSF (N) markers will assist in the interpretation and utility of these markers in clinical practice. •Multiple variables were associated with CSF, NfL, and T-tau, but not neurogranin.•Most relationships were attenuated after adjustment for age and sex.•There was not an interaction between the variables and amyloid (A+) for NfL levels.•Among A+, CSF T-tau had greater sensitivity than Ng for predicting cognition.