Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Large-scale plasma proteomic analysis identifies proteins and pathways associated with dementia risk

Keenan A. Walker, Jingsha Chen, Jingning Zhang, Myriam Fornage, Yunju Yang, Linda Zhou, Morgan E. Grams, Adrienne Tin, Natalie Daya, Ron C. Hoogeveen, Aozhou Wu, Kevin Sullivan, Peter Ganz, Scott L. Zeger, Elías F. Guðmundsson, Valur Emilsson, Lenore J. Launer, Lori L. Jennings, Vilmundur Guðnason, Nilanjan Chatterjee, Rebecca F. Gottesman, Thomas H. Mosley, Eric Boerwinkle, Christie M. Ballantyne, Josef Coresh

Nature Aging · 2021

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Summary

This large-scale proteomic study analysed plasma protein panels in a prospective cohort to identify molecular signatures associated with dementia risk in older adults. The research identified specific proteins and biological pathways that correlate with dementia development, suggesting potential blood-based biomarkers for cognitive decline. As suggested by the study design and journal focus, findings may inform early identification strategies and mechanistic understanding of dementia aetiology, though clinical utility requires validation in independent populations.

UK applicability

Proteomic biomarkers identified in a predominantly United States cohort may have applicability to UK dementia screening and prevention strategies, though population-specific validation would be needed given potential differences in genetic ancestry, diet, and lifestyle factors between cohorts. UK NHS programmes focused on dementia prevention could potentially incorporate such biomarkers into risk stratification if clinically validated.

Key measures

Plasma protein abundance measured via aptamer-based proteomics; dementia incidence and diagnosis; associations between protein signatures and cognitive decline risk

Outcomes reported

The study identified plasma proteins and biological pathways associated with dementia risk through large-scale proteomic profiling in a longitudinal cohort. Findings suggest specific protein signatures may serve as biomarkers for dementia susceptibility.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Dietary patterns & chronic disease
Study type
Research
Study design
Observational cohort
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United States
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.1038/s43587-021-00064-0
Catalogue ID
SNmohdwfqs-y7wtok

Topic tags

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