Overweight and Alzheimer’s linked
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The link between obesity and Alzheimer's has been known for some time, says Professor Ralph Martins. What hasn't been found is the exact mechanism, he says. Prof Martins holds the inaugural chair in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. In collaboration with researchers in Melbourne, Prof Martins has been studying a protein - beta amyloid - which builds up in the brain. "What we are finding is that people who are obese have a high level of this particular protein in their blood." Beta amyloid acts as a neurotoxin, killing brain cells. It does that by promoting oxidative stress resulting in increased radical formation, Prof Martins explains. Melbourne research recently showed that it acts as an enzyme, "so it generates hydrogen peroxide", he says. "Basically, it bleaches your brain when there's too much of it."
Beta amyloid, we think, is going to be a key candidate to check out
The Perth researchers feel that as people become more overweight, the risk creeps up and are now studying a group of 200 people to establish that correlation. The study is in the early days, says Prof Martins. "But what we are clearly showing is that if you have low levels of HDL (good cholesterol), levels of beta amyloid are high."HDL can be raised by exercise and moderating alcohol consumption, says Prof Martin. Studies with mice have shown that animals with high deposits of beta amyloid benefit when put on the treadmill for six to eight weeks. "You see a very marked lowering of amyloid in the brain." Physical activity is important in preventing Alzheimer's, stresses Prof Martins. The health message for preventing Alzheimer's, it seems, is the same as it is for staying healthy in general. Eat a good diet with plenty of antioxidants, cut back on alcohol, watch your cholesterol and exercise.

Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's is still difficult, agrees Prof Martins. What's needed is "a good blood test", he says. But in order to be definitive, a larger study needs to be done and that is the next step for Prof Martins and his colleagues in Melbourne.The need is strong. Two hundred thousand Australians suffer from dementia: 70 per cent with Alzheimer's Disease. By 2050, the projections are for 700,000 people to have a form of dementia. The earlier the onset of the Alzheimer's, the faster the progression, says Dr Martins. People who have a genetic defect can begin to manifest symptoms in their thirties, he says. Within six years their cognitive functioning can cease and they would need full time care.What drugs are available treat only the symptoms, he says and have a very short term effect. "That is why is it's so essential to get drugs which tackle the cause of the disease."Yet, the professor is optimistic. There are many groups worldwide researching the condition, he says. "I anticipate within three to four years, the first of these drugs will come on the market."