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Adiposity and Alzheimer's disease
Jose A Luchsinger1, Richard Mayeux
1Taub Institute for Research of Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. jal94@columbia.edu
Current Alzheimer Research
|April 14, 2007
Summary
Excess body fat (adiposity) may increase Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, potentially through hyperinsulinemia. However, research findings are conflicting, and the timing of adiposity assessment is critical for understanding this link.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adiposity, or body fat content, is increasingly prevalent and linked to health issues.
- Obesity is associated with hyperinsulinemia and diabetes, known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Conflicting epidemiological evidence exists regarding the association between adiposity and AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the relationship between adiposity and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To explore potential mechanisms linking adiposity to AD pathogenesis.
- To identify challenges and considerations in studying the adiposity-AD connection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing epidemiological and mechanistic studies.
- Analysis of the role of hyperinsulinemia and diabetes as mediators.
- Discussion of methodological issues, including the timing of adiposity assessment.
Main Results:
- Hyperinsulinemia is a plausible mechanism connecting adiposity to AD.
- The validity of traditional adiposity measures like BMI may decrease in older adults.
- The timing of adiposity measurement (e.g., early vs. late life) is crucial for understanding its impact on AD.
Conclusions:
- The association between adiposity and AD is complex and requires further investigation.
- Understanding this relationship has significant public health implications due to rising obesity rates.
- Future research should focus on the timing of adiposity assessment and potential adipose tissue products involved in AD pathogenesis.
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