Scientists find previously unknown link between metabolism, brain health

  • Researchers investigated the link between metabolic profile and brain health.
  • Factors such as high blood pressure and high basic metabolic rate (BMR) were linked to worse brain health.
  • The researchers noted that further studies are needed to determine causation.

According to the World Health Organization, over 55 millionTrusted Source people live with dementia globally, with 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.

Studies showTrusted Source that the brain undergoes functional and structural changes years before the onset of cognitive impairment.

Other research indicatesTrusted Source that metabolic factors such as diabetes, dyslipidemia (having blood lipid levels that are too high or low), and high blood pressure are linked to cognitive decline and dementia.

One studyTrusted Source found that patients aged 60 years and over with metabolic risk factors are 11.48 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those without.

Investigating the link between metabolic risk factors and dementia could aid preventative approaches based on metabolic risk profiles.

Recently, researchers investigated the link between metabolic biomarkers and brain health, captured via brain imaging data.

They found that metabolic profiles are linked to neuroimaging characteristics that indicate cognitive decline and increased dementia risk.

The study was published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism