The Metabolic Syndrome in the Prevention and
Management of Alzheimer's Disease
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Obesity is a key component of metabolic syndrome which is defined as a clustering of central adiposity, insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and endothelial dysfunction.
Epidemiological data have also found an association between metabolic syndrome and accelerated cognitive decline in non-demented elderly individuals. This negative impact is further accentuated in individuals with high levels of inflammatory markers in their circulation. Individual components of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance, midlife hypercholesterolemia and hypertension also correlate with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.
In light of these findings and given the rise in childhood obesity and the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the US, research is ongoing that examines the possible link between obesity, diabetes, as well as other components of metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer's Disease and to delineate the molecular mechanisms by which disrupted systemic metabolism may influence the transition between normal brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently the clinician needs be familiar with the risk factors, the clinical syndromes leading to dementia and potential therapeutic interventions.
Introduction
There is a worldwide increase in obesity and this increase is of epidemic proportions in the United States. In the last few years, a number of epidemiological studies have pointed to a link between obesity at midlife and the risk of late-life dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
