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Metabolites Associated with Memory and Gait: A Systematic Review
Qu Tian1, Brendan A Mitchell1, Abigail E Corkum1
1Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21225, USA.
Metabolites
|April 21, 2022
Summary
Dual decline in memory and gait speed significantly increases dementia risk. Specific blood metabolites, particularly sphingolipids, may indicate underlying pathways for this dual decline and dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolomics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dual decline in memory and gait speed is linked to higher dementia risk.
- The underlying mechanisms and biomarkers for this association remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review blood-based metabolites associated with memory and gait impairments.
- To explore potential metabolomic signatures and pathways linking dual decline to dementia risk.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 39 eligible studies.
- Analysis of metabolites associated with memory and gait speed from existing literature.
Main Results:
- Metabolites linked to memory and gait included sphingolipids, fatty acids, phosphatidylcholines, amino acids, and biogenic amines.
- Sphingolipid metabolism pathways were significantly enriched in both memory and gait impairments.
Conclusions:
- Sphingolipids and their metabolic pathways may play a crucial role in concurrent memory and gait impairments.
- Further research is needed to identify specific metabolomic signatures for dual decline and its dementia association.
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