Blood Test Predicts Rapid Alzheimer’s Progression
A straightforward blood test can now identify individuals likely to experience a rapid decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. This breakthrough offers hope for earlier interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes by allowing participation in clinical trials and providing additional support sooner.
Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer’s
A recent study has revealed that a simple blood test may help determine which patients with mild cognitive impairment will swiftly develop severe Alzheimer’s. Researchers examined 315 non-diabetic patients exhibiting cognitive deficits, including 200 with Alzheimer’s, measuring their insulin resistance levels, a crucial factor in regulating blood sugar.
The study utilized the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index to assess insulin resistance. Individuals with Alzheimer’s-related mild cognitive impairment who had the highest TyG scores declined four times faster than those with lower TyG levels over a three-year follow-up period.
“Our data shows that a simple metabolic marker available in every hospital laboratory can help identify more vulnerable subjects who may be suitable candidates for targeted therapy or specific intervention strategies.”
—Dr. Bianca Gumina, Lead Researcher
This aligns with current findings, with the Alzheimer’s Association stating that nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are projected to be living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2025 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).
Understanding the Connection
The Italian researchers suggest that insulin resistance, already linked to Alzheimer’s onset, accelerates progression by potentially hindering glucose uptake in the brain. This impairment may promote inflammation and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, it could contribute to the buildup of amyloid, a toxic protein, in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Researchers also found that high TyG levels correlated with blood-brain barrier disruption and cardiovascular risk factors. However, they found no link between high TyG and other neurodegenerative diseases.
This study presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress in Helsinki may pave the way for earlier and more effective treatments.
