Obesity-induced cognitive impairment in older adults: a microvascular perspective

Abstract

Over two thirds of individuals aged 65 and older are obese or overweight in the United States. Epidemiological data show an association between the degree of adiposity and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. In this review, the pathophysiological roles of microvascular mechanisms, including impaired endothelial function and neurovascular coupling responses, microvascular rarefaction and blood-brain barrier disruption in the genesis of cognitive impairment in geriatric obesity are considered. The potential contribution of adipose-derived factors and fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of senescence to exacerbated obesity-induced cerebromicrovascular impairment and cognitive decline in aging are discussed.

The Impact of Obesity on Microglial Function: Immune, Metabolic and Endocrine Perspectives

“…Several studies have shown that obesity and high dietary fat intake are associated with increased risk of neuropsychiatric, cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders [ 9 , 164 , 165 , 166 ]. Meta-analysis studies showed that individuals with obesity or associated metabolic disorders in midlife have a significantly higher risk for development of dementia or AD later in life [ 164 , 167 , 168 ].…”

“…Meta-analysis studies showed that individuals with obesity or associated metabolic disorders in midlife have a significantly higher risk for development of dementia or AD later in life [ 164 , 167 , 168 ]. Moreover, numerous studies support a clear link between obesity and cognitive decline [ 165 , 169 , 170 , 171 ]. Obesity-associated comorbidities, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, can further augment cognitive impairment [ 165 ].…”

“…Moreover, numerous studies support a clear link between obesity and cognitive decline [ 165 , 169 , 170 , 171 ]. Obesity-associated comorbidities, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, can further augment cognitive impairment [ 165 ]. Some studies also suggest that obesity in childhood and late adolescence may be a risk factor for MS [ 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 ].…”

“…Moreover, it forms the BBB and regulates entry of substances into the brain parenchyma. Hence, microvascular health is critical for brain homeostasis [ 165 ]. Cerebromicrovascular dysfunction or damage is an important cause of obesity-associated cognitive decline [ 165 , 285 ].…”

“…Hence, microvascular health is critical for brain homeostasis [ 165 ]. Cerebromicrovascular dysfunction or damage is an important cause of obesity-associated cognitive decline [ 165 , 285 ]. The mechanisms of obesity-associated endothelial disruption leading to cerebrovascular impairment are reviewed elsewhere [ 165 ].…”