Protein Blood Test Could Predict Future Cognitive Decline

Identifying early signs of dementia remains a major clinical challenge, especially among individuals with co-existing conditions like cerebrovascular disease. This is particularly relevant for Southeast Asian populations, where such conditions are more prevalent. In a significant development, researchers have discovered specific proteins in the blood that can predict future cognitive decline and dementia, offering a new pathway for earlier diagnosis and intervention.

The study was conducted by researchers from NUS Medicine (Singapore) on 528 patients attending memory clinics and represents the first of its kind in a local Southeast Asian cohort. Scientists set out to find better diagnostic tools for dementia prediction using advanced proteomic technologies. They analyzed more than 1,000 proteins in the blood, focusing on markers associated with neurodegeneration, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction—key biological processes that contribute to cognitive deterioration.

By characterizing a unique blood protein signature, the researchers identified that individuals with dysregulated levels of these proteins had a higher likelihood of developing dementia and experiencing cognitive decline, independent of age or other medical conditions. These blood proteins also correlated with structural changes in the brain, such as volume shrinkage and signs of small vessel disease, both known early indicators of dementia. Notably, when these biomarkers were assessed alongside existing clinical risk factors, the ability to forecast cognitive decline significantly improved.

To confirm their findings, the team validated the results in an independent cohort of Caucasian patients using cerebrospinal fluid, the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The same protein markers continued to serve as strong predictors of cognitive decline, suggesting these biomarkers are consistent across biological fluids and ethnically diverse populations. This strengthens the case for their broader application in clinical settings. These findings, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia, not only enhance diagnostic capabilities but also provide insights into the underlying biological mechanisms of dementia.

The study opens up new opportunities for the development of targeted therapies and preventive strategies, particularly in ageing societies where the burden of dementia is expected to rise sharply. Integrating blood-based biomarker testing with routine clinical evaluations could enable doctors to deliver more precise and timely care to at-risk patients. The research team now plans to further explore the functional role of these proteins in the body and assess their potential as therapeutic targets. This work could ultimately pave the way for novel treatment approaches aimed at halting or slowing the progression of dementia.

“We hope that the outcomes of this work will lead to better prediction models for identifying individuals at risk of cognitive deterioration,” said Dr. Sim Ming Ann, first author of the paper. “With the ability to detect key blood protein changes early, doctors could be better equipped to intervene before significant cognitive decline occurs, potentially slowing disease progression and improving quality of life for patients.”

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