New Tool for Alzheimer’s: How the ‘TyG Index’ May Help Predict Cognitive Changes

Alzheimer’s disease is a journey marked by uncertainty, especially in its early stages. Families and individuals often grapple with questions such as -- “How quickly will things change?”

Now, new research brings hope for clearer answers. A simple, affordable marker known as the TyG index — based on routine bloodwork — may provide insight into how someone’s memory or thinking could change over time.

G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., a neurologist and director of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, shares why this development could be so meaningful for patients, families, and care teams.

Understanding the TyG Index: Why Is It Important?

The TyG index, or triglyceride-glucose index, is calculated using results from standard blood tests. It serves as a marker for insulin resistance — a condition connected to both type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s.

G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., neurologist and director of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

A new study suggests that the TyG index could help predict how rapidly cognitive changes might occur in someone with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Dr. Gliebus emphasizes the value of this approach:

“The prospect that a simple, cost-effective marker like the TyG index could predict progression in Alzheimer’s disease is extremely encouraging,” explains Dr. Gliebus. “It has the potential to bridge an important gap between diagnosis and practical prognosis, which has been a missing element in this field.”

Currently, healthcare providers have limited options for estimating how Alzheimer’s will progress for each person. Some people experience gradual changes, while others notice a more rapid decline. A widely available, evidence-based tool could help bring much-needed clarity, easing some of the uncertainty for families and clinicians alike.

Why Early Prediction of Cognitive Change Matters

No two Alzheimer’s journeys are exactly the same. During the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) phase, an early stage of Alzheimer’s, some people remain steady for years, while others may notice changes sooner. Why is it important to anticipate who might be at greater risk of decline?

Knowing who faces a higher risk of faster progression allows care teams to tailor support, resources, and interventions. This may involve more frequent check-ins, specific treatment plans, and lifestyle guidance meant to slow cognitive changes. As Dr. Gliebus explains, timely identification opens the door to more effective interventions, improving quality of life wherever possible.

Empowering Families to Plan Ahead

When families have a clearer idea of what to expect, they can better prepare—emotionally, practically, and financially. Insight into the likely course of Alzheimer’s can guide important decisions and help everyone involved feel more prepared, making the journey less overwhelming.

“As clinicians, we frequently encounter questions from patients and their families, such as, ‘How quickly will it worsen?’— and we often don’t have a definitive answer,” Dr. Gliebus said.

Researchers and healthcare innovators are working rapidly to develop new Alzheimer’s therapies. Knowing who may benefit most allows people to access these treatments at just the right time. Predictive tools like the TyG index could help match individuals to clinical trials or targeted therapies, offering hope for better outcomes.

“Early-stage Alzheimer’s, especially during the mild cognitive impairment stage, exhibits significant variability-some individuals remain stable for years, while others decline rapidly,” explains Dr. Gliebus. “Identifying those at higher risk of swift decline enables us to customize clinical care and research strategies. It also helps families set clearer expectations and facilitates early, potentially more effective interventions, whether through lifestyle changes, medications or future planning.”

The Road Ahead: Next Steps in Alzheimer’s Research

While these findings are promising, more work remains before the TyG index becomes a mainstay of Alzheimer’s care. Dr. Gliebus outlines key steps moving forward:

1. Wider Validation Across Populations: To ensure reliability, researchers must test the TyG index in larger, more diverse groups. This will help confirm its usefulness in daily clinical care.

2. Combining with Other Predictive Tools: Dr. Gliebus suggests that the TyG index should be integrated with other biomarkers, such as brain scans or memory assessments, to provide a more complete picture of disease progression.

3. Evaluating Interventions for High-Risk Individuals: The ultimate goal is to see if addressing insulin resistance—through healthy lifestyle changes or medications—can meaningfully change the course of Alzheimer’s for those at higher risk, as identified by the TyG index.

Steps You Can Take for Your Brain Health

While research continues, there are proven ways you can care for your brain and overall well-being right now:

Eat Brain-Friendly Foods: Prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3-rich options. Reducing processed and sugary foods may also support healthy insulin levels.

Keep Moving: Regular exercise benefits both physical and cognitive health. Try to include at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking or cycling, each week.

Manage Chronic Conditions: Work closely with your healthcare team to control conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which increase Alzheimer’s risk.

Stay Social and Engaged: Connection matters—puzzles, reading, social gatherings, and learning new skills all help to keep your mind sharp.

The discoveries around the TyG index mark a hopeful step in understanding and managing Alzheimer’s disease. Marcus Neuroscience Institute is committed to guiding you and your loved ones with compassion, expertise, and the latest advancements in care.