9. Metabolic Dysfunction: Energy Matters
Another less obvious but potentially significant player in ALS is metabolic dysfunction. A number of studies have linked ALS with alterations in metabolism, the body’s process of breaking down food and turning it into energy. From high cholesterol to diabetes, these metabolic changes could subtly contribute to the disease.
For instance, cholesterol plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, including those of neurons. Disturbances in cholesterol metabolism, such as those seen in high cholesterol levels, could affect neuronal function and survival, leading to conditions like ALS.
Similarly, glucose metabolism has also been implicated in ALS. Our neurons rely heavily on glucose for their energy needs, and dysregulation of glucose metabolism, as in diabetes, can have detrimental effects on neuronal health. Indeed, some studies have found an increased prevalence of diabetes among people with ALS, hinting at a potential link.
Additionally, obesity, a marker of metabolic dysfunction, has also been associated with an increased risk of ALS. This could be due to the pro-inflammatory state that obesity induces, or it might be linked to alterations in energy use and storage in the body.
Again, it is important to clarify that while metabolic dysfunction may increase the risk of ALS, it is not a direct cause. Many individuals with metabolic dysfunction do not develop ALS, and many individuals with ALS do not have metabolic dysfunction. However, this association highlights the need for further research into the metabolic aspects of ALS and could potentially provide new avenues for treatment and prevention. (9)
