Visceral fat, found deep within the abdominal cavity, has been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. The research, presented at the Radiological Society of America’s annual meeting, found that higher levels of visceral fat were associated with abnormal proteins in the brain.
The study, led by Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, discovered that participants with high levels of visceral fat had higher levels of amyloid and tau proteins in their brains, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. However, those with high levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) experienced partially reduced effects of visceral fat on amyloid pathology.
Visceral obesity is a significant public health concern, with nearly three out of four Americans being overweight or obese. The study suggests that lifestyle modifications and weight-loss drugs could improve cerebral blood flow and potentially lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of dementia.
Source: https://people.com/body-type-linked-to-alzheimers-dementia-visceral-fat-8754396