A Simple Blood Test Could Predict Dementia Risk 25 Years Early
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have identified a blood signal that could forecast dementia risk decades before symptoms begin. The study found that a protein called phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) was more likely to be present in older women who developed mild cognitive impairment or dementia years later.
Researchers have discovered a blood marker that may predict dementia risk up to 25 years in advance. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed blood samples from 2,766 women aged 65-79. Results showed that women with higher levels of p-tau217 were more likely to develop dementia. The link between p-tau217 and dementia was stronger in women over 70 and those with the APOE ε4 genetic variant. Blood-based biomarkers like p-tau217 could lead to earlier detection and prevention of dementia. Further studies are needed to determine how p-tau217 testing could be used in routine care.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.