Abstract: The p62 protein has been analyzed and identified as the significant contributor to several metabolic pathways that lead to metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, and other related diseases. The absence of the p62 protein has a profound effect on the accumulation of tau protein, amyloid beta protein and an increase in blood insulin levels. The accumulation of tau protein and amyloid beta protein in neurological tissues is a hallmark of neurological metabolic diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. Moreover, increase blood insulin levels is an indicator of insulin resistance in mammals. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for screening a mammal for metabolic disease comprising the step of detecting the absence of the p62 protein.