1.
Potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia and mild cognitive impairment: an umbrella review and meta-analysis.
Jones, A, Ali, MU, Kenny, M, Mayhew, A, Mokashi, V, He, H, Lin, S, Yavari, E, Paik, K, Subramanian, D, et al
Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders. 2024
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of mild and major neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), also referred to as mild cognitive impairment and dementia, is rising globally. The prevention of NCDs is a major global public health interest. We sought to synthesize the literature on potentially modifiable risk factors for NCDs. Methods We conducted an umbrella review using a systematic search across multiple databases to identify relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Eligible reviews examined potentially modifiable risk factors for mild or major NCDs. We used a random effects multi-level meta-analytic approach to synthesize risk ratios for each risk factor while accounting for overlap in the reviews. We further examined risk factors for major NCD due to two common etiologies: Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Results A total of 45 reviews with 212 meta-analyses were synthesized. We identified fourteen broadly defined modifiable risk factors that were significantly associated with these disorders: alcohol consumption, body weight, depression, diabetes mellitus, diet, hypertension, less education, physical inactivity, sensory loss, sleep disturbance, smoking, social isolation, traumatic brain injury, and vitamin D deficiency. All 14 factors were associated with the risk of major NCD, and five were associated with mild NCD. We found considerably less research for vascular dementia and mild NCD. Conclusion Our review quantifies the risk associated with 14 potentially modifiable risk factors for mild and major NCDs, including several factors infrequently included in dementia action plans. Prevention strategies should consider approaches that reduce the incidence and severity of these risk factors through health promotion, identification, and early management.
2.
Pharmacokinetic study of amaranth extract in healthy humans: A randomized trial.
Subramanian, D, Gupta, S
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2016;(7-8):748-53
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important signaling molecules produced within the body. Continuous generation of NO is essential for the integrity of the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to assess whether oral intake of a nitrate (NO3-)-rich dietary supplement (amaranth extract) is able to increase NO3- and nitrite (NO2-) levels in blood plasma and saliva of healthy adults. METHODS In the present study, bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of NO3- and NO2- from amaranth extract (2 g as single dose) was studied in 16 healthy individuals and compared with placebo in a crossover design. The NO3- and NO2- levels in plasma as well as saliva were measured up to 24 h. RESULTS After administration of amaranth extract, the NO3- levels in plasma as well as saliva were found to be significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in the placebo group. The NO2- level in plasma was slightly higher (P < 0.05) in the amaranth group (test group) compared with that in the placebo group, whereas the saliva NO2- level was significantly high (P < 0.001) in the amaranth extract-treated group than the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS These results clearly indicate that a single oral dose of amaranth extract is able to increase the NO3- and NO2- levels in the body for at least 8 h. The increase in NO3- and NO2- levels can help to improve the overall performance of people involved in vigorous physical activities or sports.