Participants’ blood samples were drawn years before their dementia diagnosis.
Sudha Seshadri, M.D., founding director of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio, is co-leader and senior author on research announced March 6 that identifies novel biomarkers of risk for future dementia.
Dementia is a rising tidal wave of devastation for families and society. Age is the biggest risk factor. Alzheimer’s disease, which is the leading cause of dementia, is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. That figure is expected to triple by 2050.
The discovery is described in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. The study analyzed small molecules called metabolites in blood samples drawn from 22,623 individuals, including 995 who went on to develop dementia. The p
articipants were enrolled in eight research cohorts in five countries.
Associations with lower, higher risk
Researchers found that higher blood concentrations of molecules called branched-chain amino acids were associated with lower risk of future dementia. Another molecule, creatinine, and two very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-specific lipoprotein lipid subclasses also were associated with lower risk of dementia.
One high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and one VLDL lipoprotein subclass were associated with increased dementia risk.
These findings will broaden the search for drug targets in dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disease and other subtypes, said Dr. Seshadri, professor of neurology at UT Health San Antonio. Formerly of Boston University, Dr. Seshadri is a senior investigator in the long-running Framingham Heart Study and leads the neurology working group within several international consortia.
“It is now recognized that we need to look beyond the traditionally studied amyloid and tau pathways and understand the entire spectrum of pathology involved in persons who present with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias,” Dr. Seshadri said. “It is exciting to find new biomarkers that can help us identify persons who are at the highest risk of dementia.”
Diagnostic exam
In the future, the Glenn Biggs Institute may investigate the feasibility of developing a diagnostic exam, such as a blood test, to assess each patient’s molecular signature of dementia risk. The signature could include blood concentration of branched-chain amino acids. The altered metabolite signatures were observed years before the diagnosis of dementia when those study participants were healthy, Dr. Seshadri said. If a test were to become available, therapy could be initiated earlier.
The study was in persons of European ancestry and was carried out in collaboration with researchers in Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Estonia. Dr. Seshadri is eager to replicate it in South Texas. “The Glenn Biggs Institute at UT Health San Antonio will expand these studies to include the diverse racial and ethnic groups who live in South Texas,” she said.
Branched-chain amino acids are nutrients that the body obtains from proteins in foods such as meat and legumes. These amino acids include leucine, isoleucine and valine. “Valine has previously been shown to be involved in determining the risk of diabetes, which is a particularly big problem in our region, especially among the region’s large Hispanic population,” Dr. Seshadri said. “Now it is shown to be associated with the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia. We want to investigate for any connections.”
Lifestyle modifications
Metabolites are influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and their levels can be modified through dietary and pharmacological interventions. “I hope that people reading about this study will understand that they can take ownership of their health,” Dr. Seshadri said. “The lifestyle decisions they make, such as adopting a Mediterranean or other healthful diet, can affect these metabolites in ways we do not fully understand.”
Further studies can clarify whether the branched-chain amino acids and other molecules play a causal role in the dementia disease process or are merely early markers of the disease, Dr. Seshadri said.
Learn more: Study reveals novel biomarkers for future dementia risk
The Latest on: Dementia risk
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Dementia risk” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Dementia risk
- - Unraveling the Mysteries of Dementia: A Leading Doctor Shares His Insightson May 2, 2024 at 6:32 am
FOCUS online: Mr. Herzog, you are head of the dementia day clinic in Munich. What dementia symptoms do you notice first? Jürgen Herzog: It usually starts with small memory gaps. Small ...
- Does obesity really increase your risk of dementia?on April 30, 2024 at 8:56 am
Many dementia charities advise people to maintain a healthy weight to reduce their risk of dementia. But some studies have suggested that obesity might actually protect against dementia. What does the ...
- Chris Hemsworth wants you to know he doesn't have dementia and isn't retiringon April 30, 2024 at 8:22 am
Having a gene that puts you at higher risk of a disease is not the same as a diagnosis, and Hemsworth wants people to understand that.
- Want to lower your dementia risk? Try becoming a teacheron April 30, 2024 at 5:55 am
From your 30s to well into your 60s, a new study proposes that working a mentally challenging job can pay off in more ways than one. It can even help maintain your cognitive health while preventing de ...
- What is obesity paradox: Does obesity really increase your risk of dementia?on April 30, 2024 at 3:12 am
If obesity really does cause dementia, why have dementia rates been falling in the west in recent decades at the same time as the number of obese people has been increasing? And why have several ...
- Laws requiring doctors to report a dementia diagnosis to the DMV may backfireon April 29, 2024 at 10:12 am
Some states require that physicians report a diagnosis of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, to the DMV. A new study suggests these mandates may have unintended consequences.
- The human brain is getting larger, and that may be good for your dementia riskon April 25, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Increases in brain volume and surface area may be linked to the reducted frequency of Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.
- Want to lower your dementia risk? Becoming a teacher is a good starton April 25, 2024 at 5:53 am
The researchers noted that more research is needed to pinpoint precisely which work tasks are most advantageous for promoting healthy cognitive function.
- High blood pressure may increase the risk of dementia, study says. Doctor shares what to watch for.on April 22, 2024 at 9:23 am
High blood pressure, or hypertension, may increase the risk of dementia, according to a new study. Hear from a doctor for advice on lowering your risk factors.
- To Minimize Dementia Risk, Doctors Say To Steer Clear Of These 3 Thingson April 21, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Loneliness is highly correlated with depression, alcohol misuse and sleep problems. As it turns out, it’s also a risk factor for dementia. “Having limited social engagement and interaction is linked ...
via Bing News