The blood metabolome of brain health in midlife and influences of genes, microbiome and exposome
Researchers analyzed 991 blood metabolites in 1,082 dementia-free middle-aged participants from the Rotterdam Study. The study found that fourteen metabolites have replicated associations with cognition, with ergothioneine showing the largest effect. These metabolic signatures mirror those found in incident Alzheimer's disease.
What changed
New data identifies specific blood metabolites and lifestyle factors that influence brain health in midlife.
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Blood Metabolome Linked to Brain Health and Cognitive Decline in Midlife
confidence 90%Researchers analyzed 991 blood metabolites in 1,082 dementia-free middle-aged participants from the Rotterdam Study. The study found that fourteen metabolites have replicated associations with cognition, with ergothioneine showing the largest effect. These metabolic signatures mirror those found in incident Alzheimer's disease.
What's confirmed:
- Fourteen metabolites showed replicated associations with cognition, with ergothioneine exhibiting the largest effect.
- The metabolite signature of cognition mirrored that of incident Alzheimer's disease.
- Lifestyle, clinical variables and medication were the strongest determinants of cognition-associated and MRI-associated metabolites, explaining up to 28.6% of their variance.
- Twenty-two metabolites were associated with MRI measures.
- Poor metabolic health can age the brain in young people and is linked to reduced brain blood flow.
- Women show greater cognitive effects from metabolism and aging based on 3,500 brain scans.
Still unconfirmed:
- Antacid use was associated with specific metabolite changes.