Recent research from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology suggests that excessive visceral fat around organs could raise the risk of Alzheimer’s by promoting neuroinflammation. Presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual conference, these studies explored the connections between visceral fat, inflammation, and Alzheimer’s-associated proteins such as amyloid and tau.
The studies involved midlife adults, focusing on fat distribution and its effects on brain health. In one study of 62 participants, researchers found higher amyloid protein accumulation in obese individuals, largely attributed to visceral fat rather than body mass index (BMI) alone. Interestingly, insulin resistance had a lesser impact on amyloid levels, while thigh and liver fat showed no significant effects.
Another segment of research involved 67 cognitively normal middle-aged individuals, revealing that liver fat was associated with an increase in brain inflammation, as opposed to thigh fat or insulin resistance. Meanwhile, a study observing brain scans of 66 participants suggested that abdominal fat could lead to reduced blood flow in the brain, emphasizing the critical role of visceral fat in Alzheimer’s risk.
Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi highlighted the importance of midlife obesity as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, noting that different fat types have varied impacts on inflammation and metabolic issues. She emphasized that lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity, in conjunction with newly approved anti-obesity drugs, could influence body fat distribution and potentially mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, Dr. Verna Porter, a neurologist not involved in the study, pointed to the association between obesity and Alzheimer’s due to metabolic and inflammatory consequences. She particularly noted that visceral fat correlates more closely with Alzheimer’s pathology than overall obesity, with increased amyloid deposition and reduced cerebral blood flow significantly impacting brain function.
Both researchers stressed midlife as a vital period for addressing lifestyle factors contributing to obesity and, by extension, Alzheimer’s risk. Early intervention, focusing on reducing visceral fat and improving cardiovascular health, could be crucial in minimizing disease risk. This approach underscores the potential benefits of early preventive measures in safeguarding brain health over time.
The findings emphasize the importance of addressing midlife obesity, particularly visceral fat, to potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. While these studies are not yet peer-reviewed, they underscore the need for further research into how lifestyle modifications might mitigate Alzheimer’s risk.
Source: MedicalNewsToday
