Abdominal Fat and Brain Health in Our Prime Years
The state of our health doesn't exist in silos; every part of our body is connected in one way or another. The heart talks to the brain, the bones to the muscles, and now, as recent research indicates, our belly fat might be sending distress signals to our cognitive command center.
Peeling Back the Layers: Belly Fat and Alzheimer's
Recent research turned the spotlight onto an unusual suspect in the story of Alzheimer's disease (AD): our abdominal fat. Beyond just the scales and BMI readings, this study sought to understand if the type of fat we carry—specifically around our abdominal region—plays a role in brain health.
For clarity, the study distinguished between two kinds of fats: Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) - the pesky fat that envelops our organs, and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT) - the more familiar fat that's right under our skin. The balance between these, known as the VAT/SAT ratio, was under the microscope.
Here's What They Found
This isn't just science chatter; it's a genuine concern for all of us:
More Belly Fat, More Brain Issues: There's a direct link between the VAT/SAT ratio and amyloid presence in the right precuneus cortex, especially in men. To break it down, amyloid accumulations are notorious bad guys when it comes to Alzheimer's, leading to nerve cell death in our brains.
Thinning Brain Regions: An elevated VAT/SAT ratio, along with increased amyloid presence, seems to be responsible for thinning in areas of the brain, known to be AD hotspots.
Wider Implications: It's not just about the fat. This research connects the dots between higher BMI, insulin resistance (a major red flag for diabetes), and declining brain health.
So, What Should We Make of This?
The crux of it? If we're holding onto excess visceral fat during our middle years, we might be inadvertently increasing our Alzheimer's risk. It's not about being thin; it's about understanding the kind of weight we carry and where we carry it.
These findings are a wake-up call. They're a reason to tie up those sneakers, to pick fresh produce over processed foods, and to engage in regular health check-ups. It's about ensuring that as we age, our minds remain as agile as our bodies.
Dolatshahi M, Commean PK, Rahmani F, et al. Alzheimer Disease Pathology and Neurodegeneration in Midlife Obesity: A Pilot Study. Aging and Disease. 2023 Aug. DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0707. PMID: 37548931.
Wrapping Up
This bridge between abdominal fat and cognitive health during our prime years is intriguing and demands attention. It reinforces the idea that every choice we make—what we eat, how often we move, the stress we carry—can echo in the chambers of our brain. It's a poignant reminder: take care of your body, and your brain will thank you in kind. If you are wondering when you need to start getting things in order. . . yesterday! Jason & Rita...aka Dr. De Leon and Dr. Gillespie.
