by bglazer on 2/14/24, 3:19 AM
One caveat is that this is necessarily a retrospective study. The authors looked at historical data from the UK Biobank, ran a regression, and found these genes. So, it’s not really clear if these genes are actually causing dementia, or if they’re just related to a common cause, or (most likely) tied together through some very complicated web of biological mechanisms.
That said, they’re interesting genes. GFAP is expressed in astrocytes, which are glial cells. These perform a lot of tasks in the brain, but they seem important in protecting neurons from toxic stresses. So, this may give us some additional insight into the role of glial cells like astrocytes in dementia.
by buyohmarkers on 2/14/24, 3:42 AM
by elromulous on 2/14/24, 2:52 AM
by xkgt on 2/14/24, 11:48 AM
> Of 1,463 proteins analysed, aided by with a type of artificial intelligence known as machine learning, 11 proteins were identified and combined as a protein panel, which the researchers have shown to be highly accurate at predicting future dementia.
I understand that press releases are intended for non-technical folks but I don't get the point of this description. Is it assumed that machine learning is less understood than artificial intelligence?
by owenpalmer on 2/14/24, 3:11 AM
It's always encouraging to see progress in disease prevention. As a young person, I'm looking forward to what the medical field will be like when I'm 70.
by m3kw9 on 2/14/24, 2:53 AM
Now is there something that can be done early or is it 15 extra years of suffering
by quickthrower2 on 2/14/24, 5:22 AM
I wonder what kinds of useful stuff dogs can smell already… but they can’t say anything!
by loceng on 2/14/24, 7:43 AM
Are these protein biomarkers also associated with inflammation in the body, perhaps diet-specific inflammation?
by foolfoolz on 2/14/24, 2:43 AM
great step to figuring how we can prevent / cure these protein changes
by megamix on 2/14/24, 12:54 PM
Does this mean that big pharma can celebrate and sell more drugs?
by ransom1538 on 2/14/24, 4:05 AM
I can't wait until we all find out it is from dentists or people picking their noses.