Several researchers are continuing to study the relationship between obesity and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Their findings suggest that visceral fat, a deep layer of fat in the abdomen, may play a key role in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially decades before symptoms appear.
The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting, found a link between visceral fat and the presence of brain amyloid and tau proteins, both of which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This link was observed in individuals as young as their 40s and 50s, indicating that changes in lifestyle or medication to reduce visceral fat levels could potentially lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
Lead author of the study, Mahsa Dolatshahi, M.D., M.P.H., emphasized the importance of investigating Alzheimer’s disease pathology in midlife when potential modifications such as weight loss and reducing visceral fat may be more effective at preventing or delaying the disease. With an estimated 6.9 million Americans over the age of 65 currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and projections suggesting a dramatic increase to 13 million cases by 2050, finding ways to mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is of critical importance.
The study included 80 cognitively normal individuals in their 40s and 50s, with an average BMI of 32.31. Participants underwent brain PET scans, body MRI scans, metabolic evaluations, and lipid panels to assess various factors related to obesity and body fat distribution.
The results of the study showed that visceral fat was significantly associated with the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, with other types of fat not explaining the link between obesity and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Increased levels of visceral fat were correlated with higher levels of amyloid and tau proteins, suggesting a direct relationship between visceral fat accumulation and the presence of Alzheimer’s-related proteins in the brain.
In addition to visceral fat, the study also identified insulin resistance and poor cholesterol levels as factors that may exacerbate the impact of obesity on brain health. Dr. Dolatshahi noted that controlling Alzheimer’s risk in obese individuals may require addressing metabolic and lipid abnormalities that often accompany high levels of body fat.
The researchers are planning to further investigate the impact of obesity and visceral fat on cerebral blood flow, as reduced blood flow to the brain has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. By understanding the mechanisms through which obesity affects brain health, the researchers hope to develop targeted interventions that may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of addressing obesity-related risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease early in life, before symptoms of the disease appear. By targeting visceral fat accumulation and other metabolic abnormalities, individuals may be able to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and maintain brain health as they age. Additional research in this area may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
