High levels of visceral fat increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SGGP 22/11/2023 05:57

According to a new study, fat surrounding internal organs is linked to changes in the brain 15 years before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease appear.

Researchers performed MRI scans of the brains of 54 people (aged 40-60) to compare brain MRI volume, uptake of proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease such as Tau (in cerebrospinal fluid) and amyloid with visceral fat levels, body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance.

Accordingly, the proportion of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat was associated with higher amyloid uptake in the prefrontal cortex, an area affected early by Alzheimer's disease. The researchers also found that higher visceral fat was associated with an increased burden of brain inflammation—one of the main mechanisms contributing to Alzheimer's disease.

Brain scans revealed increased neuroinflammation along with higher levels of visceral fat. (Image: CNN)

These findings have implications for earlier diagnosis and intervention to reduce the risk of encephalitis or dementia in the future.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mo-noi-tang-cao-lam-tang-nguy-co-mac-alzheimer-post715158.html