Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's and Metabolic Diseases: A Catecholaminergic Hypothesis

Catecholaminergic transmission plays an essential role in both physiological and pathological cognitive functions. Plastic changes subserving learning and memory processes are highly dependent on catecholaminergic activity, altering their function and impacting cognition. This review assesses changes in the dopaminergic and norepinephrine systems as part of the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease as associated with metabolic dysfunctions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and neuroinflammation and peripheral inflammation. Understanding the role of catecholaminergic systems in these conditions is relevant for identifying etiological factors that could advance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for ameliorating cognitive alterations, disease onset, and progression. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: In memory of Ivan Izquierdo South American pioneer of the Neuroscience of Memory Temporal dynamics and molecular mechanisms. (C) 2022 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Catecholaminergic transmission plays a vital role in cognitive functions, and plastic changes in learning and memory processes depend heavily on catecholaminergic activity. This review assesses the changes in the catecholaminergic systems involved in the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease associated with metabolic dysfunctions.