A type of belly fat may be linked to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's

The article from NBC News discusses a study linking visceral fat – the fat stored around internal organs – to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. This connection is significant even in individuals with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). Visceral fat is associated with systemic inflammation and elevated insulin levels, factors believed to contribute to Alzheimer's development. The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America, utilized MRI scans to demonstrate that individuals with higher amounts of visceral fat showed more significant accumulations of amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's, in their brains.

The research underscores the importance of looking beyond traditional measures like BMI to assess health risks. MRI scans of the abdomen were used to confirm the presence of visceral fat, which can be indicated by a waist size larger than the hips or high blood sugar levels. The study involved 54 cognitively healthy volunteers, aged 40 to 60, with average BMIs of 32. Researchers measured various health parameters and used MRI and PET scans to assess fat distribution and brain health. They found a correlation between higher levels of visceral fat and increased amyloid deposits in the brain, suggesting a higher Alzheimer's risk.

The findings highlight the potential for early intervention in midlife to reduce Alzheimer's risk. Aerobic exercise is recommended as the most effective way to lose visceral fat. However, it remains unclear if reducing visceral fat can reverse its impact on the brain. The study's implications are significant, as they suggest that managing visceral fat could be a crucial step in preventing Alzheimer's, especially since the disease's development can begin up to 20 years before symptoms appear. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of visceral fat on brain health.