Low Liver Enzymes and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the low physiologic range, surrogate markers for reduced liver metabolic function, are associated with cerebral hypometabolism, impairment in neurotransmitter production and synaptic maintenance, and a higher prevalence of dementia. It is unknown whether a prospective association exists between low liver enzyme levels and incident dementia.

Objective

To determine whether low levels of ALT and AST are associated with higher risk of incident dementia.

Methods

Plasma ALT and AST were measured on 10,100 study participants (mean age 63.2 years, 55% female, 22% black) in 1996-1998. Dementia was ascertained from comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, annual contact, and med

SUBMITTER: Lu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8679120 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature