NYU Langone Health Links NLR to Dementia

Researchers at NYU Langone Health, led by Tianshe River and Jaime Ramos-Cejudo, published a study in Alzheimer's & Dementia revealing that a high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can identify individuals at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias before cognitive impairment appears. The study analyzed data from nearly 400,000 patients across NYU Langone hospitals and the Veteran's Health Administration. This finding suggests that NLR, a simple blood test, could serve as an accessible gateway diagnostic tool. The research also indicates that neutrophils may actively contribute to dementia progression, potentially making them a therapeutic target. Funding for the study was provided by the United States — National Institutes of Health, the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, the VA Boston Healthcare System's Cooperative Studies Program, the Alzheimer s Association, and the BrightFocus Foundation.