Obesity Linked to Faster Alzheimer's Progression in New Studies

Recent studies highlight a concerning link between obesity and the accelerated progression of Alzheimer's disease. A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting revealed that individuals with obesity experienced a nearly doubled rate of increase in certain blood biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's compared to those without obesity.

Senior researcher Dr. Cyrus Raji from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis noted that this is the first time such a relationship has been shown through blood biomarker tests.

The study tracked over 400 participants over five years, focusing on blood samples and PET scans to assess Alzheimer's pathology. Notably, the results indicated that tau protein levels increased up to 95% faster in participants with obesity.

Additionally, neurofilament light chain levels rose 24% more rapidly in this group, signaling damage and death of brain cells. The study also found a faster accumulation of amyloid plaques, which are indicative of Alzheimer's, with a noted 3.7% increase among individuals with obesity.

Dr. Soheil Mohammadi, a postdoctoral research associate at MIR, emphasized the potential of addressing modifiable risk factors, like obesity, to significantly reduce Alzheimer's cases. The 2024 report of the Lancet Commission identified 14 modifiable risk factors contributing to nearly half of the risk for developing Alzheimer's.

Raji underscored the significance of combining blood tests and brain imaging to monitor Alzheimer's progression and the efficacy of treatments, suggesting that weight loss drugs could play a pivotal role in future studies aimed at Alzheimer's biomarkers.

The findings also indicate that blood tests might be more sensitive than PET scans in tracking how obesity influences the early stages of dementia. This insight could lead to better monitoring and treatment strategies as obesity is linked to other health issues such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, which are also risk factors for dementia.

Overall, these studies underscore the critical need for further research into lifestyle factors and their impact on neurological diseases, particularly as the global population grapples with rising obesity rates and their associated health risks.

As of now, while the findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, they represent a significant step forward in understanding the complex interplay between obesity and neurological health.