Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a prediction model that estimates a person’s risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia years before symptoms begin.
The tool builds on data from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging and incorporates factors such as age, sex, apolipoprotein-E genotype and brain amyloid levels detected through PET scans, according to a Nov. 12 news release. Among all predictors, amyloid levels had the largest effect on lifetime dementia risk.
The study found that women and individuals with the APOE epsilon-4 gene variant have a higher lifetime risk of cognitive decline. Researchers used data from 5,858 participants and found the incidence rate of dementia was twice as high among participants who stopped actively taking part in the study compared to those who remained enrolled.
The model aims to support early identification of at-risk individuals and could guide future treatment decisions. Although currently a research tool, future iterations may include blood-based biomarkers to improve accessibility.
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