Association of blood-based neurodegenerative biomarkers with cognitive functioning and dementia in India (LASI-DAD) and the United States (HRS) - Summary - MDSpire

Association of blood-based neurodegenerative biomarkers with cognitive functioning and dementia in India (LASI-DAD) and the United States (HRS)

  • By

  • Jung Ki Kim

  • Masroor Anwar

  • Abhishek Gupta

  • Bharat Thyagarajan

  • Peifeng Hu

  • Jessica D Faul

  • David R Weir

  • Kenneth M Langa

  • Jinkook Lee

  • Sharmistha Dey

  • Eileen M Crimmins

  • August 21, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To examine associations between blood-based neurodegenerative biomarkers and cognitive functioning in older adults from India and the United States, highlighting comparative insights.

Key Findings:
  • Higher levels of GFAP and NfL were associated with worse cognitive function and increased likelihood of dementia in both populations, indicating their potential as universal markers.
  • GFAP and NfL were linked to cognitive decline in HRS but not in LASI-DAD, suggesting population-specific factors.
  • Higher Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio correlated with worse cognitive functioning and more dementia in HRS, while it was associated with better cognitive functioning in LASI-DAD, highlighting the need for contextual interpretation.
  • pTau181 showed no significant association with cognitive functioning in either country, indicating its limited utility in these populations.
Interpretation:

The study highlights the potential of blood-based neurodegenerative biomarkers in predicting cognitive decline and dementia, with varying associations observed between populations in India and the U.S., emphasizing the need for tailored approaches.

Limitations:
  • Differences in environmental, social, and economic factors between India and the U.S. may influence biomarker levels and cognitive outcomes, potentially skewing results.
  • The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, necessitating further longitudinal studies.
Conclusion:

Blood-based biomarkers may serve as valuable tools for early detection of cognitive impairment and dementia across diverse populations, though their utility may vary by context, necessitating careful interpretation.

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