Early Alzheimer’s Detection through Blood Testing: Relevance to Aging Populations in Low- and Middle-income Countries Blood Testing for Early Alzheimer’s Detection

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of dementia worldwide, with timely diagnosis remaining a challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Limited access to specialized services, high costs of neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid analyses, and low public awareness delay recognition and treatment. This underscores the need for accessible, affordable, and scalable tools to identify individuals at risk earlier in the disease course.
The Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index, derived from routine blood tests, has emerged as a promising candidate for such screening. Elevated TyG values have been linked with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, positioning it as a simple and cost-effective predictor. Unlike advanced imaging or biomarker testing, TyG screening requires no specialized infrastructure and can be incorporated into existing diabetes and cardiovascular programs, making early detection feasible at virtually no additional cost.
While not a substitute for definitive diagnostics, the TyG index offers an attractive adjunct for early risk stratification in LMICs. Its integration into primary care could bridge diagnostic gaps, enable earlier intervention, and help reduce the growing burden of dementia in resource-limited settings.