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LDL Phenotype in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Vikarunnessa, Sheikha | Weiner, Myron F.b | Vega, Gloria Lenaa; c; *

Affiliations: [a] Center for Human Nutrition and Departments of Clinical Nutrition, TX, USA | [b] Center for Human Nutrition and Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, TX, USA | [c] Veterans North Health Care Center at Dallas, TX, USA

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Gloria Lena Vega, Ph.D. (MC 9052) or Myron F. Weiner, M.D. (MC 9129), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA. Tel.: +1 214 648 2869; Fax: +1 214 648 2869; E-mails: [email protected] (Gloria Lena Vega); [email protected] (Myron F. Weiner). E-mails: [email protected] (Gloria Lena Vega); [email protected] (Myron F. Weiner).

Keywords: Atherogenic dyslipidemia, longevity phenotype, small LDL

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-130443

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 571-575, 2013

Accepted 5 April 2013
|
Published: 9 July 2013
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Abstract

Background:

Centenarians with normal cognitive function have a “longevity phenotype” characterized by large low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low incidence of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with a number of cardiovascular risk factors, but it is not known if they have or lack the “longevity phenotype”.

Objective:

The study was designed to determine LDL size and body fat content and distribution in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD.

Results:

Fifty-eight persons with MCI or AD (cases) and 42 control subjects of similar age had measurement of LDL size and lipoprotein lipids after a 12 h fast and analysis of body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Cases had small LDL size more often than controls (73% versus 66%) associated with significantly higher triglycerides, lower HDL cholesterol, and higher triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio (p ⩽ 0.02). Cases with large LDL had a better lipoprotein profile than those with small LDL. Cases and controls had similar percent body fat, fat index, and lean mass index. Forty-seven percent of cases and 39% of controls were obese.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of small LDL phenotype in MCI and AD cases contrasts with the “longevity phenotype” reported for centenarians with preserved cognitive function. The small LDL phenotype is an atherogenic lipoprotein profile found in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. It is now also reported in persons with MCI and AD.

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