new research suggests that while a higher body mass index (BMI) in midlife is linked to an increased risk of dementia, simply measuring overall body fat may not be the most accurate predictor of cognitive decline.
A study lead by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis sheds light on the complex relationship between body fat and brain health. Their findings, presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, indicate that deep belly fat, known as visceral fat, is strongly associated with markers of Alzheimer’s disease years before any cognitive symptoms appear.
“The crucial result is that higher ratios of deep, visceral fat in a person’s 40s or 50s is associated with amyloid protein clumps in the brain,” says lead author Mahsa Dolatshahi.
“This study goes beyond using BMI to characterize body fat more accurately with MRI and, in so doing, reveals key insights about why obesity can increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease,”
While thes amyloid plaques are not always a definitive sign of Alzheimer’s disease, they can serve as an early warning sign of cognitive decline.
The study highlights the importance of distinguishing between different types of fat. Subcutaneous fat, the more common type found just beneath the skin, did not show a similar link to dementia markers.
“Even though ther have been othre studies linking BMI with brain atrophy or even a higher dementia risk, no prior study has linked a specific type of fat to the actual Alzheimer’s disease protein in cognitively normal people,” Dolatshahi explained.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs, might potentially be notably harmful to health. Previous studies have linked visceral fat to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
The findings underscore the need for further research to fully understand the complex relationship between body fat distribution and cognitive health. They also highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and reducing visceral fat through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
New research suggests a strong link between belly fat, specifically visceral fat, and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This type of fat, which is stored deep within the abdomen and wraps around organs, is known to influence cholesterol and insulin production and has been linked to various metabolic issues.
Measuring visceral fat requires specialized imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A recent study led by Dr. Dolatshahi and his team at the University of Southern California sheds light on the connection between visceral fat and Alzheimer’s.
The study, which initially involved 32 adults aged 40 to 60 with normal cognitive function, found a correlation between higher levels of visceral fat and increased amyloid pathology in the right cortex of the brain. Amyloid plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, individuals with more visceral fat exhibited a thinner cortex in brain areas associated with Alzheimer’s.
Expanding on their initial findings, the researchers analyzed data from 80 participants and discovered that the ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat in the belly was directly linked to increased amyloid buildup in the brain. This ratio accounted for a significant 77 percent of the effect that high body mass index (BMI) has on amyloid accumulation.
“To our knowledge, our study is the only one to demonstrate these findings at midlife where our participants are decades out from developing the earliest symptoms of the dementia that results from Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr.Dolatshahi in November.
Interestingly, the study also revealed a connection between lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, and higher amyloid levels in the participants’ brains.
Visceral fat influences cholesterol production,and previous studies have established a link between cholesterol levels and dementia. In fact, research earlier this year indicated that excessive “good” cholesterol could increase the risk of dementia by up to 42 percent in older adults.
Furthermore, a higher ratio of visceral fat was associated with reduced insulin levels. Recent research has shown that individuals with insulin resistance are more susceptible to faster brain shrinkage, substantially increasing their risk of developing cognitive problems later in life.
the intricate relationship between overall health and brain health is complex and requires further inquiry. while more research is needed to fully understand why Alzheimer’s is more prevalent in individuals with higher bmis,these findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and reducing visceral fat.
In the meantime, experts recommend regular exercise and a healthy diet as crucial steps in reducing the risk of dementia.
New research suggests that adopting a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular physical activity could significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The findings, presented at the Radiology Society of North America’s 2024 conference, offer promising insights into perhaps preventing this devastating neurodegenerative condition.
“Our study indicates that lifestyle choices play a crucial role in brain health,” said Dr. [Lead Researcher’s Name], lead author of the study. “By embracing a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, and incorporating regular exercise into our routines, we may be able to significantly lower our risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on plant-based foods, olive oil, and moderate consumption of fish and poultry, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of chronic diseases. This latest research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting its potential role in protecting against cognitive decline.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding brain health. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, adopting a healthy lifestyle may offer a powerful tool for prevention.
“These results are encouraging and highlight the potential of lifestyle interventions in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. [Lead researcher’s Name] added. ”Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms, but this study provides a compelling reason to prioritize a healthy diet and regular exercise for brain health.”
## The Hidden Danger: Belly Fat and the Risk of Alzheimer’s
**World Today News** sits down with Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, lead author of a groundbreaking study on visceral fat and Alzheimer’s disease risk, to discuss the findings and their implications.
**WTN:** Dr. Dolatshahi, your research has shed new light on the connection between body fat and dementia. Could you explain the key findings for our readers?
**Dr. Dolatshahi:** Our study,conducted at the University of Southern California,focused on the role of visceral fat,which is the fat stored deep within the abdomen around our vital organs. we found a strong correlation between higher levels of visceral fat and increased amyloid pathology in the brains of middle-aged adults. Amyloid plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
**WTN:** That’s alarming. Does this mean that simply being overweight increases the risk of Alzheimer’s?
**Dr. Dolatshahi:** It’s not as straightforward as that. While higher BMI is frequently enough associated with increased dementia risk, our study looked beyond BMI to examine the specific type of fat involved. We found that the ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat, the fat found just under the skin, was a far more powerful predictor of amyloid buildup in the brain than BMI alone. this suggests that it’s not just about how much fat we have, but where it’s stored.
**WTN:** And what about the link between cholesterol and dementia that your research uncovered?
**Dr. Dolatshahi:** Visceral fat directly influences cholesterol production.We observed a connection between lower levels of ”good” cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol, and higher amyloid levels in the brains of our participants. This aligns with previous research demonstrating a link between cholesterol levels and dementia risk. It’s significant to remember that while “good” cholesterol is generally beneficial, excessively high levels may have unintended consequences.
**WTN:** What are the implications of these findings for public health?
**Dr. Dolatshahi:** These findings highlight the urgent need for further research into the specific mechanisms linking visceral fat to Alzheimer’s disease. They also underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and reducing visceral fat through lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
**WTN:** Any advice for our readers who are concerned about their own risk?
**Dr. Dolatshahi:** Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and the best strategies for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing visceral fat. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and adequate sleep are all crucial for both physical and cognitive health. Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes that can improve your overall well-being.
