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Study Links Obesity, Age, and Inflammation to Cognitive Decline Risk

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Bridging Physical Health and Brain Function: The Link Between Inflammation, Obesity, and Cognitive Decline

Obesity and older age are strongly associated with low-grade inflammation, a condition increasingly linked to cognitive decline and dementia. This persistent inflammation, even when occurring externally to the brain, may contribute to alterations in brain function over time.

A recent study conducted by Baycrest has shed new light on this connection, revealing significant differences in inflammation levels among adults with varying cognitive health.

Approximately two-thirds of participants with cognitive impairment exhibited elevated inflammation levels, in contrast to about one-third of cognitively healthy adults.

This finding suggests a potential role for systemic inflammation in age-related cognitive changes and underscores the importance of lifestyle factors in early risk reduction.

Understanding 'Inflammaging'

Chronic low-grade inflammation, a phenomenon termed 'inflammaging,' naturally increases with age. This heightened inflammatory state contributes significantly to susceptibility to a range of age-related diseases, including dementia. While inflammation is a natural part of aging, its intensity is profoundly influenced by factors such as body weight, cardiovascular health, and other physical health aspects.

Unpacking the Baycrest Study

Dr. Bruna Seixas-Lima, lead author and Scientific Associate at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute, emphasized the study's core insight:

"The study provides evidence that systemic inflammation, influenced by lifestyle and overall health, may be a mechanism connecting physical health to long-term brain function."

Published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the study, titled 'Peripheral inflammation in a Canadian cohort of neurodegenerative conditions: Occurrence, determinants, and impact,' represents a significant step forward in understanding the complex interplay between physical and cognitive health.

The study is noted as the first to examine inflammation levels across a diverse group of older adults with various forms of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and no cognitive impairment. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to analyze how lifestyle and health factors contribute to inflammaging across a wide spectrum of cognitive and medical conditions.

The COMPASS-ND Cohort: A Deeper Dive

Participants for the study were drawn from the Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia Study (COMPASS-ND), a key component of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA). Data was meticulously collected from 514 participants, encompassing:

  • Systemic inflammation measures
  • Age and sex
  • Cardiovascular and medical history
  • Lifestyle factors (diet, sleep, smoking, body weight)
  • Cognitive assessments
  • Brain white matter changes via MRI

The COMPASS-ND study is Canada's largest dementia research initiative, involving nearly 1,200 Canadians aged 50 to 90. It includes individuals with mixed dementia, multiple health conditions, complex diagnoses, and frailty, providing a robust observational cohort for the CCNA.

Key Findings: Lifestyle and Inflammation

The research yielded several critical insights into the contributors to inflammation in older adults:

  • Elevated inflammation was more prevalent and distinct in participants experiencing cognitive impairment.
  • Obesity was the primary lifestyle-related factor contributing to inflammation, surpassing the influence of diet quality and sleep.
  • Individuals with dementia and co-occurring vascular conditions exhibited higher inflammation levels.
  • Several inflammation contributors in aging adults are modifiable through lifestyle adjustments.

Future Implications

While the direct treatment of inflammation as a preventive measure for dementia is not yet clear, these findings are crucial. They may significantly aid in developing strategies for earlier risk identification and prevention of cognitive decline. The research team is actively conducting follow-up studies to further investigate the intricate relationship between inflammation and cognitive decline.

Study Support

The COMPASS-ND study received invaluable support from various organizations, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Brain Canada, the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, the Women's Brain Health Initiative, the Picov Family Foundation, the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation, and the Ontario Brain Institute.