Visceral fat in midlife increases inflammation in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This was demonstrated by a study presented at the annual meeting. Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Scientists analyzed data from 54 participants aged between 40 and 60. The average body mass index (BMI) was 32. A BMI of up to 24.9 indicates that the person is not overweight or obese. Subcutaneous and visceral fat volumes were measured using MRI. Additionally, MRI and PET scans were used to assess cortical thickness and the presence of amyloid plaques and tau proteins, structures associated with Alzheimer’s disease, in 32 patients.
Higher visceral/subcutaneous fat ratio was associated with greater deposition of amyloid proteins, especially in men. Inflammation levels in the brain also increased. These changes in the brain occur on average as early as age 50 to 15 years before the earliest symptoms of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease appear.
Visceral fat, which surrounds the abdominal organs, may be the target of anti-dementia treatments. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of obesity prevention and an active lifestyle, including in young people.
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