Many people have watched a loved one gradually struggle with memory loss or everyday tasks. That is why scientists around the world are searching for ways to identify dementia long before the brain has suffered irreversible damage. A new international study now suggests that the answer may lie in a routine blood test.
Researchers analysed data from six large population studies conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, Iceland and Japan.
Tens of thousands of participants were followed for between 15 and 25 years to determine whether specific biological markers could predict the development of dementia later in life, reports Illustreret Videnskab.
A promising clue
The research focused on a blood protein called Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15). According to the findings, people with the highest levels of GDF15 were significantly more likely to develop dementia than those with lower levels.
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The association was strongest for vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. The discovery is particularly noteworthy because blood samples were collected when participants were aged 55 or younger, many years before any symptoms appeared.
More than a marker
Researchers also explored whether GDF15 simply reflects disease or actively contributes to it. Their analysis found that higher protein levels were linked to smaller brain volumes on MRI scans and increased concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid.
The findings also suggest that GDF15 may influence both the immune system and the body's metabolism, potentially contributing to long-term changes that affect brain health.
More research ahead
Although the results are encouraging, the researchers stress that GDF15 is not yet ready for use as a clinical screening tool. Further studies are needed before doctors can use the protein to assess an individual's future dementia risk.
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If future research confirms these findings, the discovery could become an important step towards earlier detection, more effective prevention strategies and better opportunities to delay the progression of dementia.
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