Inflammation linked to Alzheimer’s.

Inflammation linked to Alzheimer's.

Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia

Alzheimer’s-Dementia

Researchers worldwide are devoted to unraveling the intricate mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. A recent study has shed light on the role of systemic inflammation in the development of dementia. British researchers discovered that inflammation, which is the activation of the body’s innate immune system, is associated with a slight yet statistically significant increased risk of dementia 1.

The study, conducted by Krisztina Mekli from the University of Manchester in England, examined the association between systemic inflammation levels and the subsequent diagnosis of dementia. Although the risk increase is small, the findings suggest that high levels of inflammation could be a potential biomarker for identifying individuals at a heightened risk of developing dementia in the near future. However, it is essential to note that this association does not imply causality, and further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms 2.

Systemic inflammation is a serious condition characterized by inflammation throughout the entire body. It can be triggered by various factors such as infection, trauma, surgery, ischemia, autoimmune disorders, or pancreatitis, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute 3. To investigate the relationship between biomarkers of inflammation and cognitive function, the researchers utilized data from the U.K. Biobank, which contains information on half a million individuals 4. They assessed the participants’ memory and thinking abilities simultaneously with the biomarker measurements and then followed up with them after several years to evaluate any subsequent dementia diagnoses 5.

The analysis accounted for several relevant factors, including a variant of the APOE gene, which is known to be associated with a higher risk of dementia. The results indicated that higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers were linked with an increased likelihood of subsequent dementia diagnoses, even up to 11 years later. Additionally, individuals with elevated inflammatory biomarkers exhibited worse performance on certain cognitive tests, including those measuring prospective memory, fluid intelligence, and reaction time 6.

While other biomarkers, such as APOE status, show a stronger association with dementia, this study suggests that inflammation levels could serve as an additional useful tool for identifying individuals at higher risk of developing the condition. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the connection between inflammation and dementia 7.

In conclusion, the study highlights the potential link between systemic inflammation and the development of dementia. Although the increase in risk associated with inflammation is modest, it could be an important indicator for identifying individuals who may be more prone to developing dementia in the future. With the pursuit of additional research, scientists hope to gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of this association.

References


  1. “Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia.” PLOS ONE, news release, July 19, 2023.↩︎

  2. “Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia.” PLOS ONE, news release, July 19, 2023.↩︎

  3. “Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia.” PLOS ONE, news release, July 19, 2023.↩︎

  4. “Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia.” PLOS ONE, news release, July 19, 2023.↩︎

  5. “Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia.” PLOS ONE, news release, July 19, 2023.↩︎

  6. “Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia.” PLOS ONE, news release, July 19, 2023.↩︎

  7. “Study Links Systemic Inflammation to Increased Risk of Dementia.” PLOS ONE, news release, July 19, 2023.↩︎