American scientists have found a new biomarker in the blood that indicates the development of dementia. The discovery may make the diagnosis of dementia faster and cheaper. The study was published in the scientific journal Alzheimer's & Dementia (AlzDem). According to experts, they studied a blood protein that plays a crucial role in the formation of blood vessels. The element is also linked to vascular permeability, an indicator relevant to cognitive decline. The scientists evaluated data from a large group of patients with different vascular risk profiles and cognitive abilities ranging from preserved to mild dementia. They found that plasma levels (PlGF) of this protein serve as a potential marker for screening and assessing mental ability. The findings agreed with calculations showing that elevated PIGF increases vascular permeability, leading to fluid accumulation in the white matter of the brain. This contributes to white matter hyperintensity and subsequent cognitive impairment. The researchers noted that if their initial findings are confirmed, the use of PIGF in a simple blood test could provide an easier and cheaper alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Today, MRI remains the primary way to diagnose dementia based on the condition of the brain's blood vessels.