Uncovering the role of visceral fat in Alzheimer’s disease – Amid growing global concern about Alzheimer’s disease, A New study This has emerged, highlighting a previously underappreciated risk factor: visceral fat, the deep fat in the abdominal area surrounding internal organs. This research, presented at the upcoming annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), reveals an important link between excessive visceral fat and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that hidden abdominal fat may play a pivotal role in triggering the associated Alzheimer’s disease. The brain changes in early middle age.
The study, led by Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, closely examined a group of 54 cognitively healthy individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 32. In a comprehensive data set collected From various evaluations, including glucose and insulin measurements, glucose tolerance tests, abdominal MRI scans, brain MRI scans and positron emission tomography scans.
Their careful analysis yielded several groundbreaking findings:
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The effect of visceral fat on Alzheimer’s disease: A higher ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat, indicating a greater proportion of deep abdominal fat than subcutaneous fat, was associated with increased amyloid PET uptake in the precuneus, an area of the brain known to be affected early in Alzheimer’s disease. This relationship was more pronounced for men than for women.
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Visceral fat and encephalitis: Elevated visceral fat measurements were associated with a higher level of inflammation in the brain, a critical factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This suggests that inflammatory secretions from visceral fat, and not the potential protective effects of subcutaneous fat, may contribute to brain inflammation, a major contributor to Alzheimer’s disease.
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Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease: These findings suggest that the negative effects of visceral fat on the brain may begin as early as midlife, perhaps up to 15 years before symptoms of memory loss appear. This emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention strategies.
The study’s senior author, Dr. Cyrus A. Raji, highlights the far-reaching implications of these findings for early diagnosis and intervention strategies in Alzheimer’s disease.
“This study sheds light on the key mechanism by which hidden fat may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Raji said. “It reveals that such brain changes can occur as early as age 50, on average, up to 15 years before the early memory loss symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear.”
Dr. Raji also suggests that targeting reduction of visceral fat could modify the risk of encephalitis and dementia in the future.
“By going beyond BMI and using MRI to better characterize the anatomical distribution of body fat, we now have a deeper understanding of why this factor may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” he explained.
This pioneering study, With its careful analysis and long-term effects, It holds great promise in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. By shedding light on the hidden cause – visceral fat – researchers have opened new avenues for early identification. to intervene, and potential prevention of this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder.
About visceral fat
Visceral fat, the deep abdominal fat surrounding internal organs, has long been associated with a myriad of health risks, including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Now, a growing body of research suggests that visceral fat may also play an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Inflammatory pathways involved
Researchers believe that the link between visceral fat and Alzheimer’s disease may be due to inflammation. Visceral fat is known to secrete inflammatory molecules that can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. These inflammatory molecules can trigger a cascade of events that destroy brain cells and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Implications for diagnosis and intervention
The results of this study have important implications for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and intervention. By measuring visceral fat levels, doctors may be able to identify individuals at increased risk of developing the disease early and intervene with preventive measures. In addition, targeting the reduction of visceral fat through lifestyle modifications or medications may provide a new way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Exceeding BMI
This study highlights the importance of exceeding the body mass index (BMI) as a measure of public health and disease risk. BMI is a crude measure of body fat and does not distinguish between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. By measuring visceral fat levels using MRI or other imaging techniques, doctors can get a more accurate assessment of an individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other health conditions.
A promising target for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
The results of this study suggest that visceral fat may be a promising target for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. By reducing visceral fat levels, individuals may be able to reduce their risk of disease and improve their overall health. More research is needed to confirm these findings and develop effective interventions to target visceral fat reduction.
Main sockets
- Visceral fat, the deep abdominal fat surrounding internal organs, is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- This association may be due to inflammation, which can destroy brain cells and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Measuring visceral fat levels may help identify individuals at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease early and facilitate preventive interventions.
- Reducing visceral fat levels through lifestyle modifications or medications may offer a promising way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
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