A simple blood test might help predict how quickly Alzheimer’s disease will worsen, according to a new study. The test uses something called the TyG index, which measures insulin resistance — a problem common in people with high blood sugar. Researchers found that Alzheimer’s patients with higher TyG scores were four times more likely to have faster memory decline over three years.
The TyG index is already used in many hospitals and is easy to calculate from standard lab work. Experts believe it could help doctors identify which patients may need earlier or more aggressive treatment. It could also be useful for selecting participants in clinical trials for new Alzheimer’s drugs.
Scientists think insulin resistance might speed up brain damage by reducing energy to brain cells and causing inflammation. Ongoing studies are now looking at whether treating insulin resistance could help slow down Alzheimer’s progression.
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