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Review
. 2014 Jun;14(6):495.
doi: 10.1007/s11892-014-0495-z.

The negative effects of obesity and poor glycemic control on cognitive function: a proposed model for possible mechanisms

Michael L Alosco  1 , John Gunstad
Affiliations
Review

The negative effects of obesity and poor glycemic control on cognitive function: a proposed model for possible mechanisms

Michael L Alosco et al. Curr Diab Rep. 2014 Jun.

Abstract

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and is a contributor to many adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for dementia and adverse structural and functional brain changes. Milder forms of cognitive impairment in multiple domains can also be found in obese individuals of all ages that are believed to stem from brain abnormalities long prior to onset of neurologic conditions such as dementia. However, the mechanisms for adverse brain changes and subsequent cognitive dysfunction in obesity are complex and poorly understood. This paper proposes a possible etiologic model for obesity associated cognitive impairment with emphasis on the role of poor glycemic control and conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical implications associated with treatment of obesity in persons with cognitive deficits in addition to the cognitive promoting effects of weight loss surgery are also discussed.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Proposed Model for Mechanisms of Obesity Associated Cognitive Impairments
Note. The displayed medical, clinical comorbidities, and novel risk factors represent the most common factors in obese individuals. Weight loss may attenuate cognitive dysfunction in obesity via resolution of comorbid medical and clinical conditions, and improvements in novel risk factors stemming from substantial adiposity loss. Of note, while other genetic markers have been linked with obesity, only the FTO is displayed given evidence of it being one of the strongest genetic risk factors for obesity and its close link with cognitive outcomes. Altered biomarkers refers to disturbed levels of adipokines and appetite hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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