The evolving roles of nursing and emergency care in early detection of neurodegenerative diseases using biomarkers

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s, present a growing public health challenge due to their progressive nature and lack of curative treatments. Early detection using biomarkers, such as imaging, cerebrospinal fluid proteins, and blood-based markers, has emerged as a critical strategy to improve patient outcomes. Nurses and emergency care teams, as frontline healthcare providers, play vital roles in implementing early detection strategies. However, their contributions to leveraging biomarkers remain underexplored, particularly in acute and emergency settings where early signs often present. Aim: This paper examines the evolving roles of nurses and emergency care professionals in the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases through the utilization of biomarkers, highlighting their contributions to patient screening, education, and interdisciplinary care. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Studies relevant to nursing and emergency care roles in biomarker utilization and neurodegenerative disease management were selected. Qualitative analysis identified current practices, barriers, and opportunities in this domain. Results: The findings indicate that nurse- and emergency-led biomarker screening programs significantly enhance early detection efforts. However, barriers such as insufficient training on biomarkers and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools were identified. Collaborative approaches and specialized training programs were shown to improve outcomes and expand the contributions of nursing and emergency teams. Conclusion: Nurses and emergency care professionals are integral to the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases through biomarker application. Enhancing education, resource access, and fostering interprofessional collaboration are essential for optimizing care. Future research should focus on developing standardized frameworks to support their roles in this evolving field.