NYU Langone Study Links Elevated White Blood Cell Ratios to Early Alzheimer’s and Dementia Risks

New NYU Langone research reveals that elevated neutrophil levels in blood work can signal dementia risks before cognitive symptoms begin.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 9:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

A Biological Early Warning System for Cognitive Decline

The traditional diagnostic window for Alzheimer’s disease often opens only after a patient exhibits clear signs of memory loss or cognitive dysfunction. However, new data published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia suggests that the body’s first-responder immune cells, specifically neutrophils, may signal trouble years earlier. By examining the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), researchers found a consistent correlation between elevated counts and the eventual onset of dementia. According to Tianshe He, a data scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, these immune shifts occur well before any clinical evidence of mental impairment, suggesting that the blood's composition acts as a silent harbinger of neurological change.

Utilizing Large Scale Health Data for Predictive Insights

The investigation drew from a massive dataset comprising approximately 285,000 patients from NYU Langone hospitals and an additional 85,000 individuals from the Veteran’s Health Administration. To ensure the accuracy of the predictive link, the team focused on patients who were at least 55 years old and had blood work taken prior to any formal dementia diagnosis. The researchers utilized a median-based threshold to define high NLR levels across these diverse populations. This retrospective analysis allowed the team to track the health trajectories of nearly 400,000 people, providing a statistically robust foundation for the link between systemic inflammation and brain health.

Vulnerable Populations and Disproportionate Risk Factors

While the correlation between NLR and dementia was observed across the board, the study highlighted specific demographics facing higher risks. Women and Hispanic patients showed a more pronounced association between elevated neutrophil levels and future cognitive decline. Jaime Ramos-Cejudo, an assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that it remains unclear whether these disparities stem from underlying genetic markers or social factors, such as unequal access to medical resources. These findings emphasize the need for personalized medicine approaches that consider how different backgrounds might influence the immune system’s role in neurodegeneration.