Could Smaller Skeletons Signal a Higher Risk of Dementia?
Skeletal muscle loss is often observed in older adults with dementia, but new research suggests it might be more than just a symptom. A study indicates a direct link between reduced skeletal muscle mass and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
The temporalis muscle, located in the head and involved in jaw movement, is often used to gauge general skeletal muscle health, as studies have found its size and thickness reflect muscle mass throughout the body. In the study, researchers from Johns Hopkins institutions used MRI scans to assess the size of the temporalis muscle in 621 participants, average age 77. Those with smaller temporalis muscles were classified as having notable muscle loss.
This investigation looked for a connection between muscle loss and the development of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s. The researchers discovered that participants with smaller temporalis muscles displayed a 60% heightened risk of developing dementia when compared to those with larger muscles, even after accounting for other known dementia risk factors.
“The study reveals a compelling association between skeletal muscle size and the development of dementia,” explained study co-senior author Marilyn Albert, a professor of neurology. “This suggests that muscle loss may not just be a consequence of dementia, but a contributing factor in its development.”
The researchers tracked participants for an average of 5.8 years, monitoring cognitive function, memory, and brain volume changes. It was found that not only did smaller temporalis muscle mass increase the risk of dementia, but it was also connected to a greater decline in memory, functionality, and brain volume over time.
This groundbreaking study suggests that routine MRI scans could potentially identify individuals at higher risk for dementia. Co-senior author Shadpour Demehri, a professor of radiology, emphasized its practicality, saying, “This muscle change can be evaluated from standard brain MRIs.
Identifying those with smaller temporalis muscles could enable early intervention through measures like increased physical activity, resistance training, and nutritional support. The potential benefits of these interventions to prevent or slow muscle loss are substantial and could also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.”
This opens up new possibilities for preventative strategies against dementia, advocating for a proactive approach, focusing on maintaining muscle mass throughout the lifespan. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the effectiveness of different interventions in mitigating the risk of dementia associated with low muscle mass.
* What specific lifestyle changes and preventative treatments could potentially benefit individuals identified as having smaller muscle mass and thus a higher Alzheimer’s risk?
## Could Smaller Skeletons Signal a Higher Risk of Dementia?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining me today is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading researcher in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Carter, a recent study from Johns Hopkins has sparked quite a buzz. It suggests a link between muscle loss and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Can you shed some light on this for us?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. While muscle loss, or sarcopenia, is commonly seen in older adults, particularly those with dementia, this study suggests it might be more than just a byproduct of the disease. Researchers used MRI scans to measure the size of the temporalis muscle, a muscle in the head involved in jaw movement, in over 600 participants.
**Host:** Why the temporalis muscle specifically?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a good indicator of overall muscle mass. Studies have shown that its size and thickness tend to reflect muscle mass throughout the body. They found that those with smaller temporalis muscles were 60% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
**Host:** That’s a significant finding. What are the possible implications of this research?
**Dr. Carter:** This opens exciting new avenues for early detection and intervention. If smaller muscle mass truly is a predictor of Alzheimer’s risk, it could allow us to identify individuals who might benefit from early lifestyle changes or even preventative treatments.
**Host:** Could something as simple as strength training be beneficial?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Maintaining muscle mass through regular exercise, including strength training, is crucial for overall health and might play a role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. More research is needed to confirm these specific links, but this study certainly provides a compelling starting point.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. This research is truly groundbreaking and could have a profound impact on how we understand and approach Alzheimer’s disease.
** Note:** This interview is based on the information provided in the query and does not represent factual reporting.