Knowing early detection of any health issue can ease the path of life, scientists have been studying to develop a test to predict or delay the signs of dementia, reported in over 10 million individuals every year. A recent study conducted by scientists in the UK and China shows the relation of protein in blood to predict dementia up to 15 years.
Dementia is a condition where brain cells are damaged or lost over time, leading to problems with thinking, memory, and decision-making. The study found that certain proteins in the blood can accurately predict dementia up to 15 years before it’s diagnosed. These proteins, called biomarkers, can indicate normal or abnormal processes in the body.
The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, involved analyzing blood samples from over 52,000 healthy participants. They found that 1,417 of these participants developed dementia by 2023, and their blood showed irregular levels of protein biomarkers.
Detecting dementia early is important for effective treatment, as new drugs like lecanemab show promise in slowing or reversing Alzheimer’s progression when given early. Professor Jianfeng Feng, the lead author, hopes future drugs can target the proteins identified in the study.
Professor Wei Cheng, a co-author, explained that this research builds on their previous work in predicting dementia using factors like age and genetics. The new protein-based model represents a significant breakthrough, offering a more accessible and non-invasive method for screening large populations.
Professor Jintai Yu, another co-author, emphasized the importance of proteomic biomarkers, which are easier to access and can facilitate widespread screening for dementia. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to identify individuals at risk for dementia through simple blood tests, potentially accelerating the development of new treatments.
