A published paper in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience explores the possibility of excessive fructose metabolism in the brain playing a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
The findings as part of new research by experts at the University of Colorado were uncovered by examining a wealth of data on the over-activation of cerebral fructose metabolism and Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings also shed light on why diabetes may be associated with a heightened risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
“When fructose metabolism is over-activated systemically, such as from excessive fructose intake, this can lead to obesity and diabetes,” the research team explained in their paper.
“Herein, we present evidence that Alzheimer’s disease may be driven by over-activation of cerebral fructose metabolism, in which the source of fructose is largely from endogenous production in the brain,” they also stated.
“Thus, the reduction in mitochondrial energy production is hampered by neuronal glycolysis that is inadequate, resulting in progressive loss of cerebral energy levels required for neurons to remain functional and viable.”
Based on the new paper, the research team theorizes that Alzheimer’s disease may in fact be a modern disease steered by changes in dietary lifestyle, in which fructose could impact cerebral metabolism and neuronal function.
The findings suggest that targeting intracerebral fructose metabolism in future studies could be a pathway for new treatment combating such diseases of the brain.
