The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery (Jun 2024)

Investigating the association between blood oxidative stress markers and dementia in Egyptian elderly women

  • Lamyaa Kamel Ebrahim,
  • Sherihan Adel,
  • Sarah A. Hamza,
  • Mohamad A. Alsadany,
  • Suzan Mounir Ali

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41983-024-00847-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 60, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background The predicted increase in the senior population will have a substantial impact on mental health and dementia development, emphasizing the need to study the biochemical components related to the pathogenesis of dementia. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant balance of the body. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress because of the relatively low levels of antioxidants in the brain, high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and increased oxygen needs. The increase of reactive oxygen species leads to the accumulation of protein oxidation by-products which has a key role in dementia pathogenesis. The aim of the study is to investigate the link between oxidative stress and dementia in Egyptian older women and its possible effect on dementia severity and types. A case–control study was conducted involving 40 elderly women with dementia, and another 40 cognitively intact controls. All participants were subjected to a comprehensive geriatric evaluation, which included cognitive assessment, depression screening, and functional assessment. Blood levels of malondialdehyde (an oxidative stress marker), glutathione peroxidase enzyme and total antioxidant capacity (an antioxidant markers) were measured. Results Malondialdehyde’s blood level was significantly higher in dementia cases (p 95 nmol/ml had perfect diagnostic value for identifying patients with dementia. Conclusion Oxidative stress showed a significant role in the pathogenesis of dementia, with the presence of higher levels of oxidative damage by-products and lower levels of antioxidant status. So, the role of oxidative stress in dementia should not be neglected, and more effort should be directed to prevent unnecessary exposure to oxidative stress in older adults to contribute towards dementia prevention.

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