Researchers probe link between metabolic disorders and Alzheimer's

Researchers are increasingly probing the relationship between metabolic disorders and Alzheimer's disease in the hope of finding new ways to manage the condition.

Alzheimer's disease is currently incurable, as the most recognised risk factors - age and the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 gene - cannot be modified.

Consequently, it is important for researchers to identify and investigate other risk factors to develop therapeutic strategies to help prevent the condition or delay its onset.

With a growing body of research suggesting that metabolic disorders and obesity may play a role, the direction of research has shifted.

Dr Vincenza Frisardi, editor of a new supplement in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, commented: "It is becoming increasingly clear that cellular and biochemical alterations observed in MetS may represent a pathological bridge between MetS (metabolic disorders) and various neurological disorders."

One area receiving a lot of attention is the relationship between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Previous studies have already suggested that there may be a link between the gene that exposes a person to diabetes risk and the development of Alzheimer's.

This and other such discoveries may be key to helping stave off the onset of cognitive decline.

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