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10:03
A Zebrafish Model of Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Memory
Published on: February 28, 2013
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Type 2 diabetes mellitus, brain atrophy, and cognitive decline
Chris Moran1, Richard Beare2, Wei Wang2
1From the Department of Medicine (C.M., R.B., W.W., M.C., V.S.), Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Monash University; Departments of Medicine and Geriatric Medicine (C.M., V.S.), Peninsula Health; Department of Aged Care (C.M.), Caulfield Hospital, Alfred Health; Developmental Imaging (R.B.), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne; and Menzies Institute for Medical Research (M.C., V.S.), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia. chris.moran@monash.edu.
Neurology
|January 25, 2019
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to cognitive decline in older adults through reduced cortical thickness. Higher education may offer protection against these T2DM-related effects on brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern, particularly among aging populations.
- Cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are significant challenges in older adults.
- Understanding the interplay between metabolic disorders like T2DM and brain health is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal associations between T2DM, cortical thickness, and cognitive function in older adults.
- To explore how T2DM influences neurodegenerative processes and cognitive trajectories over time.
- To examine potential protective factors, such as education, against T2DM-related cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort with annual MRI and cognitive assessments over 5 years.
- Employed latent growth curve modeling to analyze longitudinal relationships between T2DM, cortical thickness, and cognitive function.
- Controlled for relevant covariates and assessed interactions, including the role of education and baseline cognitive status.
Main Results:
- T2DM was associated with lower baseline cortical thickness (p=0.01).
- An indirect pathway linked T2DM to cognitive decline via reduced baseline cortical thickness (β = -0.17, p=0.022).
- Higher education attenuated the negative impact of T2DM on baseline cortical thickness (β = 0.34, p=0.037).
Conclusions:
- In older adults with low cerebrovascular burden, T2DM contributes to cognitive decline through neurodegeneration.
- Baseline cortical thickness mediates the relationship between T2DM and subsequent cognitive decline.
- Cognitive reserve, potentially enhanced by education, may mitigate the adverse effects of T2DM on brain structure and function.
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