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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Intracerebroventricular Injection of Amyloid-β Peptides in Normal Mice to Acutely Induce Alzheimer-like Cognitive Deficits
Published on: March 16, 2016
Hypertension and obesity moderate the relationship between β-amyloid and cognitive decline in midlife
Lindsay R Clark1, Rebecca L Koscik2, Samantha L Allison3
1Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
Background:
This study tested if central obesity, hypertension, or depressive symptoms moderated the relationship between β-amyloid (Aβ) and longitudinal cognitive performance in late middle-aged adults enriched for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.
Methods:
Participants (n = 207; ages = 40-70 years; 73% parental AD) in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention study completed 3+ neuropsychological evaluations and a [11C]PiB positron emission tomography scan or lumbar puncture. Linear mixed-effects regression models tested interactions of risk factor × Aβ × visit age on longitudinal Verbal Learning & Memory and Speed & Flexibility factor scores.
Results:
The relationship between Aβ and Verbal Learning & Memory decline was moderated by hypertension (χ2(1) = 3.85, P = .04) and obesity (χ2(1) = 6.12, P = .01); those with both elevated Aβ and the risk factor declined at faster rates than those with only elevated Aβ or elevated risk factors.
Conclusion:
In this cohort, hypertension and obesity moderated the relationship between Aβ and cognitive decline.
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