Belly Fat in Midlife May Be Early Warning Sign for Alzheimer’s Disease
Excess belly fat in middle age may be a sign that memory problems are brewing years down the line, a new study suggests.
Researchers have established a direct link between visceral fat – the kind that builds up around organs – and brain changes associated with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This type of fat can reduce blood flow to the brain, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive decline later in life.
The research team investigated the connection between fat distribution and brain health in 80 adults, around the age of 49, who had no signs of cognitive impairment.
They used imaging to examine the types of fat around participants’ abdomens, livers, and thighs and then looked for BRAIN CHANGES known to increase Alzheimer’s risk, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
Visceral Fat Linked to Brain Changes
The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America conference, is considered groundbreaking because it targeted individuals decades away from displaying the first signs of Alzheimer’s.
“To the best of our knowledge, ours is the only study 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. Mahsa Dolatshahi, a believing to postdoctoral research associate involved with the study.
The researchers also found an alarming link between metabolic issues and brain health. Those with high insulin resistance, a condition linked to type 2 diabetes, were at increased risk for amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, low levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” type of cholesterol, were also linked to these brain plaques.
These findings suggest that managing weight in middle age isn’t just about physical health; it’s essential for safeguarding cognitive function later in life.
“A key implication of our work is that managing Alzheimer’s risk in obesity will need to involve targeting the related metabolic and lipid issues that often arise with higher body fat,” explained senior study author Dr. Cyrus A. Raji, an associate professor of radiology. Correl
This research builds on similar findings presented at last year’s conference, which Dr. Raji’s team published. That study, which focused solely on belly fat, found that excess weight around the midsection was linked to memory problems as much as 15 years later.
Millions at Risk of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease currently affects nearly 7 million Americans, most of whom are aged 75 or older. While the earlier symptoms can be subtle – a loss of interest in hobbies, depression, and memory lapses for recent events – memory loss, confusion, communication problems, and behavioral changes are common as the disease progresses.
The latest research highlights the importance of early lifestyle changes. While a cure for Alzheimer’s isn’t yet available, preventing and delaying the onset of dementia remains a significant public health challenge. Maintaining a healthy weight through exercise, proper nutrition, and other healthy habits throughout life could be a vital component.
What lifestyle changes can people make to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
## Belly Fat: A Warning Sign For Alzheimer’s?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about a fascinating new study that suggests there might be an early warning sign for Alzheimer’s disease, hiding right under our noses – or maybe more accurately, around our waistlines. Joining us to discuss this is Dr. Emily Carter, a neurologist specializing in dementia care. Welcome, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** So, tell us about this study. What did they find?
**Dr. Carter:** This research, presented at the Radiological Society of North America conference, looked at the link between belly fat, specifically a type called visceral fat, and brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. [[1](https://www.healthday.com/health-news/neurology/deep-belly-fat-may-help-spur-alzheimers-decades-before-symptoms-begin)]They found a strong connection even in people around 50 years old who showed no signs of cognitive decline yet.
**Interviewer:** That’s remarkable. Why is visceral fat so concerning?
**Dr. Carter:** Visceral fat is the kind that accumulates around your organs. It’s different from the fat we see just under the skin. This study suggests that visceral fat can reduce blood flow to the brain, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive decline later on.
**Interviewer:** So, what does this mean for people in midlife? Should they be panicking about their waistlines?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s not about panicking, but about being proactive. This study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all crucial for overall health, including brain health.
**Interviewer:** Any final thoughts?
**Dr. Carter:** While more research is needed, this study offers a potentially valuable early warning sign for Alzheimer’s disease. By paying attention to our health now, we may be able to reduce our risk of developing this devastating condition later in life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights Dr. Carter. This is certainly a topic that will be generating a lot of discussion.
