Linking adiponectin and obesity in dementia

Abstract Obesity has already been recognized as an important risk factor for Alzheimer disease and dementia, but the exact causal mechanisms are still largely unexplored and are subject to ongoing research. There is much evidence that adipocyte dysfunction seems to be involved. Adiponectin, the most widespread adipocyte-derived hormone, is inversely correlated with adipose tissue dysfunction. Adiponectin regulates the sensitivity of insulin, fatty acid catabolism, glucose homeostasis, and has antiinflammatory, antiatherogenic, and neuroprotective properties. Adiponectin has been linked to Alzheimer disease–related pathology in the brain by several mechanisms including insulin-sensitizing, antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic signaling pathway activation, and also by its vascular effects. This review summarizes recent studies that have contributed to the understanding of the potential association between obesity, adiponectin, and development and progression of dementia. It seems very important to recognize the contribution of adiposity to age-related cognitive decline, which may help in the prevention, early diagnosis, and possible therapy of dementia.