Obesity and Alzheimer's disease dementia: Examining inflammatory links to cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Abstract

Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD dementia). Emerging evidence indicates that obesity in AD patients is associated with heightened neuropsychiatric symptoms, as reflected by inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and complement C3. Neuroinflammation, particularly through certain aspects of microglial activation, plays a significant role in AD development and cognitive decline. While further research is warranted to explore these neuroinflammatory pathways as potential therapeutic targets, proactive weight management starting in middle age may help mitigate both cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms.