Abstract

Studies indicate that inflammatory mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). C-reactive protein (CRP), marker and mediator of inflammation, has been detected in lesions typical for the affected areas of AD brain. There have been conflicting reports on serum CRP concentration in AD. Scarce data exist on association of CRP and measures of adiposity in AD patients. Thus, we investigated serum CRP concentration in fifteen overweight institutionalized patients with probable AD and fifteen age-matched control subjects. Body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were calculated for each subject included in the study. Age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI and WHR did not differ significantly between the two groups. Serum CRP concentration was significantly higher in patients with AD compared to controls (p<0.0001). Although not significant, positive correlations between serum levels of CRP and BMI and WHR were found. Obtained results support the notion that low-grade inflammation is present in patients with AD. Absence of significant association between CRP and measures of total and central adiposity in overweight AD patients needs further investigation and explanation.