Abstract
The incidence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past several years, and in parallel, so has the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous studies have demonstrated that both obesity and T2D are associated with lower cognitive performance, cognitive decline, and dementia. Intake of dietary fructose has also increased. In fact, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) accounts for as much as 40% of caloric sweeteners used in the United States. Given the increase in the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by an age-related decline in memory and cognitive functioning, in this report we review the effects of obesity on cognitive performance and the impact of high fructose intake in promoting cognitive decline. The paper then considers the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs), which have been linked to promising results in cognitive function including ameliorating the impact of a high-fructose diet.
Highlights
Obesity is a global health issue that has reached epidemic proportions
Since high fructose intake appears to be related to the current obesity epidemic, we review the impact of added sugars on cognitive function and the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of omega3 fatty acids (FAs) [32,33,34]
What has recently emerged is the association of obesity with cognitive decline and that intake of added sugars may mediate the influence of obesity on cognitive function
Summary
Obesity is a global health issue that has reached epidemic proportions. Greater than 60% of adults living in the U.S and Europe are obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) [1,2,3,4]. In the study by Agrawal and Gomez-Pinilla [32], insulin resistance index increased in proportion to TG levels, and given the association of cognitive impairment with elevated TG levels, high fructose intake may prime the brain to insulin resistance by its effects on TGs. the application of TGs to hepatic cells decreases insulin’s ability to trigger its signaling cascade [144]. There was no difference in body weight or total caloric intake; obesity did not appear to be a major contributor to altered memory functions in this model Based on these data, it appears that omega-3 FA deficiency increases the vulnerability to the effects of high fructose, as evidenced by disruptions of insulin signaling and impaired cognitive functions. Additional studies examining the effects of longer duration dietary supplementation with omega-3 FAs may identify greater change in cognitive function in study subjects
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