NYU Langone researchers link routine blood test marker to higher Alzheimer’s and dementia risk
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Apr 27
NYU Langone researchers link routine blood test marker to higher Alzheimer’s and dementia risk
8 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Apr 27
The study analyzed nearly 400,000 patients from NYU Langone hospitals and the Veterans Health Administration, finding higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts increased risk before symptoms appear.
Elevated NLR was especially linked to greater risk among Hispanic patients and women, suggesting possible genetic or social factors. Researchers stress NLR alone is not definitive but could help identify at-risk individuals for further testing.
The findings support the idea that neutrophils may contribute to disease progression, not just reflect risk. Ongoing research aims to clarify whether targeting neutrophils could offer new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Why might this inflammatory risk factor affect women and Hispanic patients more?
If a common blood test can flag dementia risk, can lifestyle changes lower it?
Do our own immune cells actively cause Alzheimer's, or are they just a symptom?
Is this simple blood test reliable enough for widespread dementia screening?
With several new blood tests emerging, which one will become the future standard?