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One Specific Blood Protein Can Identify Dementia Risk Decades Before Diagnosis

Researchers found that the blood protein GDF15 can signal dementia risk decades before symptoms appear. Higher levels of this protein before age 55 correlate with a greater likelihood of developing dementia later. The marker is a particularly strong predictor for vascular dementia.

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New research identifies GDF15 as a specific protein that flags dementia risk decades in advance.

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  1. GDF15 Blood Protein Identified as Early Dementia Risk Marker

    Researchers found that the blood protein GDF15 can signal dementia risk decades before symptoms appear. Higher levels of this protein before age 55 correlate with a greater likelihood of developing dementia later. The marker is a particularly strong predictor for vascular dementia.

    What's confirmed:

    • The blood protein GDF15 is released when cells are under stress.
    • Higher GDF15 levels before age 55 are linked to a higher likelihood of developing dementia later in life.
    • GDF15 is a stronger predictor of vascular dementia than Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
    • Changes in the brain leading to neurodegenerative diseases can begin decades before symptoms arrive.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • SECmeres outperform extracellular vesicles as potential blood RNA biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
    • The Elecsys pTau 217 blood test from Roche Holding AG is CE-marked for Alzheimer's diagnosis.
    confidence 90%