Blood Biomarkers Are Associated With Anthropometric Measures In Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Introduction: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is classified as an intermediate stage of Alzheimer’s disease, characterized by the presence of perceptible cognitive decline without significant interference in the autonomy of daily living activities. Biomarkers have been highlighted as a novel, accessible tool that allows the detection of pathophysiology changes in blood plasma. The relationship between obesity and AD risk remains controversial in the literature, with evidence suggesting that associations vary according to age, disease stage, and anthropometric indicator used; however, analyses examining the relationship between biomarkers and anthropometric measures are still scarce.
Methods: A total of 21 older adults with MCI were evaluated (Table 1). Blood samples were collected for the analyses of biomarker data: Total tau (tau), p-tau181, p-tau217, NfL, and the Aβ42/Aβ40, p-tau181/Aβ42, and p-tau217/Aβ42 ratios. Physical tests and anthropometric measures were also conducted, including the TUG test (steps and time), the sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength measurements, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), as well as the IPAQ questionnaire. The correlation between variables was analysed by Pearson (r) or Spearman (ρ) tests according to normal distribution.
Results: Significant, positive and moderate correlations were observed between p-tau217 and the WHR (ρ = 0.481; p = 0.027) and waist circumference (WC) (ρ = 0.437; p = 0.047); between the p-tau217/Aβ42 ratio and the WHR (ρ = 0.602; p = 0.004) and WC (ρ = 0.534; p = 0.013); between the p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio and WC (ρ = 0.448; p = 0.042); and between total tau and hip circumference (HP) (r = 0.508; p = 0.019) (Figure 1).
Conclusion: Evidence in the literature highlights the relationship between inflammatory processes, anthropometric changes, and the predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. In this context, the findings of the present study indicate an association between anthropometric measures related to body fat distribution and AD biomarkers. Changes in anthropometric measures, particularly WC and the WHR, may be associated with variations in plasma AD biomarker concentrations. Future studies, with larger samples, are needed to investigate the impact of waist and hip measures in association with AD biomarkers.