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Interrelationship between Mini-Mental State Examination scores and biochemical parameters in patients with mild
Ramasamy Vasantharekha1, Hannah P Priyanka1, Thangavel Swarnalingam2
1Integrative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Aim:
The aim of the present study was to provide first-hand information about the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India, and examine if there exists a relationship between cognitive functions and biochemical parameters in these patients.
Methods:
Surveys were collected from adults, older men and women (n = 3126) from different regions of Tamil Nadu, which were followed up after 12 months for 1337 participants. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, lipid profile, and liver function tests were carried out in the elderly, MCI and AD patients. Based on the MMSE scores, the elderly population was classified into old control (28.97 ± 1.49; n = 1868), MCI (19.58 ± 1.17; n = 734) and AD (7.18 ± 1.38; n = 304) groups. Peripheral blood samples were collected after overnight fast from both male and female volunteers (n = 40 per group) who were categorized as young adult control, old control, MCI and AD.
Results:
AD patients showed lower MMSE scores compared with the young adults, old and MCI groups, and MMSE further decreased at follow-up examination a year later. In the serum of AD patients, high-density lipoprotein, alkaline phosphatase activity and bilirubin levels were lower, whereas low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were higher. MMSE was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein, and negatively correlated with other lipid parameters in AD.
Conclusions:
Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for AD that might result in neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. Dysfunction of lipoprotein and heme metabolism might also provide additional targets for AD diagnosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1737-1745.
Insights
This study in Tamil Nadu found that high cholesterol levels are linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive decline. Biochemical markers in AD patients may offer new diagnostic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence and risk factors require further investigation, particularly in diverse populations.
- Understanding the relationship between cognitive function and biochemical parameters is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MCI and AD in Tamil Nadu, India.
- To explore the association between cognitive function and biochemical markers in individuals with MCI and AD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 3126 adults in Tamil Nadu, with 1337 participants followed up for 12 months.
- Cognitive function assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.
- Biochemical analyses included lipid profiles and liver function tests from blood samples.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer's disease patients exhibited significantly lower MMSE scores compared to controls and MCI groups, with a further decline over one year.
- AD patients showed altered serum lipid profiles: lower high-density lipoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin; higher low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- MMSE scores positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein and negatively with other lipid parameters in AD patients.
Conclusions:
- Hypercholesterolemia is identified as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, contributing to neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment.
- Lipoprotein and heme metabolism dysfunctions present potential targets for AD diagnosis.
- The study highlights the importance of biochemical markers in understanding and diagnosing AD.
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