Study tracked nearly 2,800 women

Scientists tracked nearly 2,800 women aged 65-79 for up to 25 years.
Those with more p-tau217 in their blood at the start were much more likely to develop memory issues or dementia later on.
The higher the protein level, the higher the risk.

Catching dementia risk early could mean better prevention

Catching dementia risk early could mean better prevention and more time for lifestyle changes or research into treatments.
Senior author Linda McEvoy said blood-based biomarkers are far less invasive and potentially more accessible than brain imaging or spinal fluid tests.

Test worked even better when combined with other information

The test worked even better when combined with information like age and genetics.
The strength of the association differed between White and Black women.
p-tau217 was more predictive among women randomized to estrogen-plus-progestin hormone therapy versus placebo; associations were also stronger among APOE e4 carriers.