The prevalence of SO, a clinical condition characterized by the coexistence of sarcopenia (low muscle mass and weakness) and obesity (excess body fat mass), has imposed a substantial burden on global health. Estimates suggests that over 10% of adults aged !60 years are now classified as having SO. This condition has been linked to impairments in cognitive functioning. Contributing factors such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance not only play a role in the development and progression of SO but also impair cognitive functions and are linked to well-established risk factors for CVDs such as heart failure and stroke. Despite these links, further research is urgently needed to enhance our understanding of the connections between SO, CVDs and dementia, as well as the mechanisms underlying these relationships.
This project is a pivotal component of a PhD project in Public Health at Curtin University. Spanning 36 months, the primary objective of the PhD is to investigate the association between SO and the future risk of poor heart health and dementia.
Our proposed project aligns with the aims of the UK Biobank research, which seeks to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness. The findings of our work will generate robust evidence for taking SO into consideration when developing strategies to mitigate or prevent CVDs, cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.
