Hyperuricemia, Gout, and the Brain-an Update

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to summarize recent evidence regarding the complex relationship between uric acid (UA), gout, and brain diseases.

Recent findings: Observational studies have suggested that patients with hyperuricemia or gout might have a decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Conversely, they may be at increased risk of cerebrovascular disease. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies use a genetic score as an instrumental variable to address the causality of the association between a risk factor (here, UA or gout) and an outcome. So far, MR analyses do not support a causal relationship of UA or gout with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and of UA with Parkinson's disease or stroke. Observation studies indicate a U-shaped association between UA and brain diseases, but MR studies do not support that this association is causal. Further studies should address the causal role of gout as well as the impact of urate-lowering therapy on these outcomes.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Cerebrovascular disease; Dementia; Gout; Parkinson’s disease; Uric acid.