Current updates on association between Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus - volume II

摘要

Considerable epidemiological evidence supports the basis of an association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on the increased risk for developing AD in T2DM patients. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. This thematic issue focuses on current studies to illuminate and clarify pathological processes common between AD and diabetes, with particular attention to potential means by which diabetes may influence the initiation and/or progression of AD. More than likely a complex series of interactions, either synergistic and/or additive promote or suppress the pathologies leading to either disorder. These include development of impaired insulin signaling, a chronic inflammatory state, mitochondrial dysfunction leading to excessive oxidative stress and generation of advanced glycation end products, the relevance of genetic components such as APOEepslion4 status, as well as food/calorie intake and cholesterol type and level, together with numerous other elements which are potentially important factors, if not mediators. The participating authors have strived to cover different aspects that provide a foundation of evidence supporting the linkage between AD and T2DM.