GDF15 blood protein predicts dementia risk

A large international study published in Science Advances found that elevated levels of the blood protein GDF15 in midlife (before age 55) are strongly associated with increased risk of developing dementia, particularly vascular dementia, up to 20 years later. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 participants across six cohorts in the United States, United Kingdom, Iceland, and Japan, with follow-up of 15-25 years. Higher GDF15 levels were linked to brain shrinkage and small vessel damage even in cognitively normal individuals. Laboratory experiments showed GDF15 alters immune cell metabolism and antiviral responses, suggesting it may play a causal role. The findings raise the possibility of a simple blood test for early dementia risk assessment, though further validation is needed.