Potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia in six low-income and middle-income countries: A multinational, population-based survey.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the proportion of dementia cases potentially preventable in six low-income and middle-income countries. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from 19,278 adults aged 50 years or more from China, South Africa, Ghana, India, Russia, and Mexico included in the WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We calculated the population attributable fraction for ten potentially modifiable risk factors: less education, hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes, depression, heavy drinking, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and social isolation. Weighted attributable fraction was calculated considering communality among risk factors. RESULTS: We estimated that 37.6 % of the burden of dementia might be attributable to these risk factors. The highest and lowest overall weighted attributable fractions were 38.3 % and 22.9 % in China and Ghana, respectively. Less education (8.3 %), smoking (6.3 %), and physical inactivity (5.7 %) showed the highest attributable fraction for dementia. The overall attributable fraction was higher in the poorest (38.1 %) than in the richest (30.9 %) income quintile. The burden of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension was 61 % higher in the wealthiest than in the poorest population. A total of 7.2 million cases of dementia in these six low- and middle-income countries are potentially caused by these ten potentially modifiable risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 38 % of cases of dementia in China, South Africa, Ghana, India, Russia, and Mexico can be attributable to ten potentially modifiable risk factors. Cardiometabolic risk factors account for a more significant burden of dementia in the wealthiest population. Less education had the highest population attributable fraction independent of living area and income.

Advances in Proteomic and Metabolomic Profiling of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Proteomics and metabolomics are two emerging fields that hold promise to shine light on the molecular mechanisms causing neurodegenerative diseases. Research in this area may reveal and quantify specific metabolites and proteins that can be targeted by therapeutic interventions intended at halting or reversing the neurodegenerative process. This review aims at providing a general overview on the current status of proteomic and metabolomic profiling in neurodegenerative diseases. We focus on the most common neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We discuss the relevance of state-of-the-art metabolomics and proteomics approaches and their potential for biomarker discovery. We critically review advancements made so far, highlighting how metabolomics and proteomics may have a significant impact in future therapeutic and biomarker development. Finally, we further outline technologies used so far as well as challenges and limitations, placing the current information in a future-facing context.

Dysfunctional traits in obese women and underweight men.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide, together with its comorbidities. Our aim was to assess the emotional traits and affective temperaments, according to various Body Mass Index (BMI) groups, in a large sample. METHODS: Data was collected by a web-survey on psychological and psychiatric measures (BRAINSTEP). The BMI was evaluated by self-reporting and temperament was evaluated by the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). The final sample consisted of 10,786 individuals (mean age 27.9 ± 7.8 years, 70% females). RESULTS: About 40% of the sample had a BMI score higher than normal. The overall BMI score was particularly associated with a higher Desire and a lower Control and Volition (p<0.001 for all), especially in women. Obese females also had significantly lower Coping, Stability, and Caution. In males only, underweight individuals were more fearful and sensitive, and they had a lower Coping and Volition character than normal weight subjects, suggesting a more fragile and immature profile. Linear regression with several adjustments confirmed these associations. Regarding affective temperaments, a Depressive type was more prevalent among underweight subjects, an Obsessive type was associated with a normal BMI, and a Hyperthymic type was apparent in overweight individuals of both genders. Underweight males and females were more prone to having an internalized temperament. LIMITATIONS: Only self-reporting measures were used in a cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Obese women and underweight men have a more dysfunctional trait profile. Addressing these traits may be important for prevention strategies and, possibly, for weight reduction in women.