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by Adam Brown  BScPT, MClScPT
updated Oct 1, 2024


The major link between cognitive health and metabolic health is mediated through glucose metabolism in the brain. Glucose is the brain’s preferred fuel source, where it demands a steady supply. Impairments to glucose metabolism in the brain can begin between ages 40-65 in healthy older adults.1 Post-menopausal women are especially susceptible.1 While the brain has many failsafe systems in place to allow constant glucose uptake, it’s a matter of time before insulin resistance can begin to affect brain tissue just like the rest of the body (see resource on Insulin resistance). Developing metabolic syndrome, and becoming metabolically unhealthy can pose significant risks for the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

 

Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Three of the nine modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most proliferative neurodegenerative disease (ND), are based on your metabolic health. 1) Obesity, 2) Hypertension, and 3) Impaired glucose metabolism (hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia).2  Another risk factor is a non-modifiable genetic marker, where some individuals can have a mutation in the APOE gene. While only 15% of the population have this, it imparts a 2-3 times higher risk for developing AD and increases the risk for developing Parkinson’s disease.3 This is because individuals that have this mutation suffer from impaired cholesterol, lipid, and glucose metabolism in the brain, leading to early and more advanced mitochondrial dysfunction.3  This shows just how important a role your metabolic health plays in keeping your brain healthy.

 

Resources

Signs of decreased cognitive health and function can show up decades before an actual problem or diagnosis. Cognition can be assessed and trained just like our muscles, to prevent further decline! Check out these assessment and training resources:

Cogniciti – Free; online computer based assessment of general cognitive function and memory for adults aged 20-94. A score will be provided based on age and sex, with resources available on the website on how to train your brain. Developed by the Rotman Research Institute (Toronto, CAN).  https://cogniciti.com/Test-Your-Brain-Health/Brain-Health-Assessment

NeuroNation – Paid subscription; Online (Web/App). Evidence-based cognitive assessment with specifically targeted training exercises for each individual. Developed in Germany, with Canadian and Australian partners.
https://www.neuronation.com/

Can-Thumbs Up Study – Online study (not currently enrolling new participants, but can sign up for waitlist and future contact) for Canadians aged 60-85 concerned about ND. Involves participating in an online learning platform (Brain Health Pro) promoting lifestyle changes to reduce dementia risk.
https://www.canthumbsup.ca/

 

1. Mosconi L, Rahman A, Diaz I, Wu X, Scheyer O, et al. (2018) Increased Alzheimer’s risk during the menopause transition: A 3-year longitudinal brain imaging study. PLOS ONE 13(12): e0207885. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207885
2. Rosenberg A, Mangialasche F, Ngandu T, Solomon A, Kivipelto M. Multidomain Interventions to Prevent Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia: From FINGER to World-Wide FINGERS. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2020;7(1):29-36. doi: 10.14283/jpad.2019.41. PMID: 32010923; PMCID: PMC7222931.
3. Liu CC, Liu CC, Kanekiyo T, Xu H, Bu G. Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer disease: risk, mechanisms and therapy. Nat Rev Neurol. 2013 Feb;9(2):106-18. doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2012.263. Epub 2013 Jan 8. Erratum in: Nat Rev Neurol. 2013. doi: 10.1038/nmeurol.2013.32. Liu, Chia-Chan [corrected to Liu, Chia-Chen]. PMID: 23296339; PMCID: PMC3726719.

About the author

Russell Dinney

Physiotherapist Learn More about Russell Dinney
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