Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Simple Blood Test Can Predict Dementia Risk in Women 25 Years Before Symptoms

A simple biomarker <span>blood</span> test can now detect <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a></span> in women 25 years before symptoms appear, a JAMA study suggests. 

Researchers from the <span>University of California San Diego</span> have found a protein in the blood called plasma phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), a protein linked to the brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers found a strong association between higher levels of p-tau217 in the blood and a higher chance of developing both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, a key contributer in the developemnt of Alzheimer’s. 

Neuroscientist Linda McEvoy, from the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute: "Blood-based biomarkers like p-tau217 are especially promising because they are far less invasive and potentially more accessible than brain imaging or spinal fluid tests.

"This is important for accelerating research into the factors that affect risk of dementia and for evaluating strategies that may reduce risk."

The connection between higher p-tau217 and dementia was stronger in women over 70, the researchers also found, and in those carrying the APOE ε4 gene that has been linked to Alzheimer's disease in the past.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a significant decline in mental function that is serious enough to affect everyday life. It commonly impacts memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. 

Dementia itself is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. 

Common signs include memory problems, confusion, difficulty finding words, changes in mood or behaviour and trouble completing familiar tasks.

These symptoms usually worsen over time and are not considered a normal part of ageing. Although there is no cure, treatment options can help manage symptoms, and early diagnosis plays an important role in care planning.

<h2>Alzheimer’s Disease: The Leading Cause of Dementia</h2>

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common forms of dementia and mostly affects adults over the age of 65.

About 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease. Over seven million people in the US 65 and older live with the condition and over 100,00 die from it annually.

Alzheimer's disease is believed to be caused by the development of toxic amyloid and beta proteins in the brain, which can accumulate in the brain and damage cells responsible for memory.

Amyloid protein molecules stick together in brain cells, forming clumps called plaques. At the same time, tau proteins twist together in fiber-like strands called tangles. The plaques and tangles block the brain's neurons from sending electrical and chemical signals back and forth.

Over time, this disruption causes permanent damage in the brain that leads to Alzheimer's disease and dementia, causing patients to lose their ability to speak, care for themselves or even respond to the world around them.

While there is no clear cause of Alzheimer's disease, experts believe it can develop due to genetic mutations and lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity, <span>unhealthy diet</span> and social isolation.

Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, Alzheimer's disease leads to serious memory loss and affects a person's ability to do everyday tasks.

There is no cure for this progressive brain disorder and in advanced stages, loss of brain function can cause dehydration, poor nutrition or infection. These complications can result in death.

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A simple biomarker blood test can now detect dementia in women 25 years before symptoms appear, a JAMA study suggests. Researchers from the University of California San Diego have found a protein in the blood called plasma phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), a protein linked to the brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found a strong association between higher levels of p-tau217 in the blood and a higher chance of developing both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, a key contributer in the developemnt of Alzheimer’s. Neuroscientist Linda McEvoy, from the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute: "Blood-based biomarkers like p-tau217 are especially promising because they are far less invasive and potentially more accessible than brain imaging or spinal fluid tests."This is important for accelerating research into the factors that affect risk of dementia and for evaluating strategies that may reduce risk."The connection between higher p-tau217 and dementia was stronger in women over 70, the researchers also found, and in those carrying the APOE ε4 gene that has been linked to Alzheimer's disease in the past.What Is Dementia?Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a significant decline in mental function that is serious enough to affect everyday life. It commonly impacts memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Dementia itself is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. Common signs include memory problems, confusion, difficulty finding words, changes in mood or behaviour and trouble completing familiar tasks.These symptoms usually worsen over time and are not considered a normal part of ageing. Although there is no cure, treatment options can help manage symptoms, and early diagnosis plays an important role in care planning.Alzheimer’s Disease: The Leading Cause of DementiaAlzheimer's disease is one of the most common forms of dementia and mostly affects adults over the age of 65.About 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are estimated to be living with Alzheimer's disease. Over seven million people in the US 65 and older live with the condition and over 100,00 die from it annually.Alzheimer's disease is believed to be caused by the development of toxic amyloid and beta proteins in the brain, which can accumulate in the brain and damage cells responsible for memory.Amyloid protein molecules stick together in brain cells, forming clumps called plaques. At the same time, tau proteins twist together in fiber-like strands called tangles. The plaques and tangles block the brain's neurons from sending electrical and chemical signals back and forth.Over time, this disruption causes permanent damage in the brain that leads to Alzheimer's disease and dementia, causing patients to lose their ability to speak, care for themselves or even respond to the world around them.While there is no clear cause of Alzheimer's disease, experts believe it can develop due to genetic mutations and lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and social isolation.Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, Alzheimer's disease leads to serious memory loss and affects a person's ability to do everyday tasks.There is no cure for this progressive brain disorder and in advanced stages, loss of brain function can cause dehydration, poor nutrition or infection. These complications can result in death.