For those who, like me, tried to find ways to influence this imbalance positively, the article mentions one specific protein called GDF15 as having a strong association with dementia risk. The researchers identified 32 proteins in total that were strongly associated with an increased risk of developing dementia if their levels were unbalanced in middle age.

The article doesn't provide specific steps on how to influence the levels of these proteins. The purpose of this research seems to be more about identifying potential biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment of dementia rather than outlining therapeutic interventions.

Edit:

GDF15, or Growth Differentiation Factor 15, is a protein that is naturally produced by our bodies. It's a stress-responsive cytokine, meaning that it's part of the body's response to conditions of stress or damage. It has roles in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, metabolism, and apoptosis (a form of cell death).

In terms of influencing GDF15 levels, most research so far has been in the context of pharmaceutical interventions, particularly in relation to conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.