A research team from Houston Methodist investigated how obesity affects the brain. The study was published in the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration.
The researchers found that certain fat molecules can travel from the body’s fat tissue to the brain. Once there, they may disrupt communication between brain cells and affect the brain’s immune system, according to SciTechDaily.
Can damage the brain
The researchers focused in particular on molecules called phosphatidylethanolamines, also known as PEs. According to the study, higher levels of these molecules are produced in people with obesity.
When the molecules reach the brain, they may contribute to the buildup of amyloid proteins, which are often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
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At the same time, the molecules may interfere with normal brain function and make it harder for the brain to protect itself.
Possible explanation
The researchers also tested what happened when the balance of fat molecules was restored. In their models, they observed improvements in both brain function and memory.
However, the researchers stress that more studies are needed before the findings can be applied to treatments for humans.
Even so, the study suggests that obesity may contribute to the accelerated development of Alzheimer’s through signaling molecules released from the body’s fat tissue.
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Sources: SciTechDaily and Molecular Neurodegeneration.
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