Midlife obesity linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk

Emerging research suggests that visceral fat, a type of fat stored around internal organs, may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by contributing to brain inflammation and toxic protein accumulation. Findings were presented at the Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting by researchers from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis.

The studies involved small cohorts of cognitively normal midlife adults, focusing on factors like fat distribution, brain blood flow, and amyloid and tau proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. Key findings highlighted visceral fat strongly mediated the relationship between higher body mass index and increased amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, a hallmark of cognitive decline.

Researchers also found liver fat was linked to elevated brain inflammation and higher abdominal fat correlated with lower blood flow in Alzheimer-sensitive regions like the middle temporal cortex.

Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, a lead researcher, highlighted the significance of visceral fat in midlife obesity as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, emphasising the importance of addressing body fat distribution and obesity early to reduce long-term risks.

Independent neurologist Dr. Verna Porter noted that midlife is a critical window for intervention, as obesity’s inflammatory and vascular impacts on the brain may precede cognitive symptoms by decades. She stressed the value of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, in mitigating these risks.

While the findings are preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed, they underscore the potential benefits of addressing midlife obesity to protect long-term brain health.