Researchers at UCLA have identified placental growth factor (PlGF) as a potential blood biomarker for early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia. High levels of PlGF correlate with increased vascular permeability, suggesting its role in the development of cerebral small vessel disease.
A multicenter study led by UCLA researchers found that a simple blood test could spot earlier changes, potentially identifying at-risk patients sooner and at a lower cost. The study involved over 1,000 patients aged 55 or older, who underwent brain MRI and blood tests for PlGF levels.
The researchers discovered that elevated PlGF levels increased vascular permeability, leading to accumulation of fluid in the brain’s white matter, development of white matter hyperintensities, and subsequent cognitive impairment. This finding could enable earlier identification and intervention for at-risk individuals compared to current MRI-based diagnostics.
The study’s results were published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, and support the use of PlGF as a biomarker for screening patients at risk for vascular brain injury before the onset of cognitive decline.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/simple-blood-test-to-detect-dementia-before-symptoms-appear