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Hidden Fat Fuels Brain Aging, Alzheimer's Risk
24 Nov
Summary
- Visceral fat surrounding organs is linked to accelerated brain aging.
- Higher muscle mass and less visceral fat correlate with younger brains.
- New research may inform treatments to target fat and preserve muscle.
New research indicates that visceral fat, a type of fat surrounding internal organs, can accelerate brain aging and heighten the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists found that a healthier body composition, characterized by more muscle mass and less of this 'invisible' abdominal fat, is associated with a younger and healthier brain. This connection suggests that improving physical health can directly benefit cognitive function and potentially reduce the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
The study utilized MRI scans to estimate brain age and track body composition, including muscle mass and different types of fat. The findings revealed a significant correlation between a higher ratio of visceral fat to muscle mass and an older brain age. Interestingly, subcutaneous fat, located just under the skin, showed no such link to brain aging, emphasizing the specific impact of visceral fat.
These insights could guide the development of future treatments, including medications like GLP-1 agonists, to more effectively target visceral fat while minimizing muscle loss. The research underscores the importance of building muscle and reducing internal belly fat as actionable steps for maintaining brain health. The study's findings are set to be presented at an upcoming radiology conference, promising further advancements in understanding and addressing brain aging.
