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Muscle Up for a Younger Brain
18 Dec
Summary
- Higher muscle mass correlates with a younger-appearing brain.
- Increased visceral fat is linked to an older-appearing brain.
- A study used AI to analyze body scans and brain age.
- Weight training may benefit brain health and reduce dementia risk.
New research indicates a strong connection between an individual's body fat and muscle mass and their apparent brain age. The study, presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, focused on visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs, and muscle bulk acquired through strength training.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis employed artificial intelligence to analyze whole-body scans of over 1,000 healthy adults. AI assessed participants' muscle mass and body fat, then compared brain scans to determine if participants' brains appeared younger or older than their chronological age. Senior author Cyrus Raji noted that greater muscle bulk was associated with a younger-looking brain, while more visceral fat corresponded to an older appearance.
This investigation complements findings from the Alzheimer's Association, which highlights exercise as a potential factor in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Separately, the U.S. POINTER trial demonstrated that a comprehensive approach targeting risk factors, including physical and cognitive exercise and nutrition, can improve cognitive function in older adults.
