Study highlights how obesity and cardiovascular risks may accelerate brain aging in men

A new study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reveals that obesity and cardiovascular risks can accelerate brain aging more significantly and earlier in men compared to women.

This research underscores sex-specific differences in neurodegeneration risk, offering vital insights into Alzheimer’s disease prevention. The study, involving over 34,000 participants aged 45-82 from the UK Biobank, found that cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity were strongly linked to reduced brain volume. Using advanced MRI scans and the Framingham risk score, researchers identified visceral fat as a primary driver of brain aging, particularly in men aged 55-64.

Men in this age group exhibited a 67 per cent reduction in grey matter volume in critical brain regions such as the frontal lobe, thalamus, and temporal lobe. In contrast, women experienced the most pronounced effects between 65–74 years, likely delayed by the neuroprotective role of oestrogen prior to menopause.

Hormonal differences play a pivotal role in how obesity and cardiovascular risks impact brain health. While women’s oestrogen levels decline rapidly post-menopause, men experience a gradual reduction in androgens, potentially leading to earlier brain volume loss. The study also examined the APOE ε4 genotype, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s, finding that both carriers and non-carriers were similarly affected by cardiovascular risks.

The findings highlight the need for targeted, sex-specific interventions to mitigate neurodegeneration risks. Men may benefit from earlier lifestyle interventions focusing on weight management and cardiovascular health. Women, especially post-menopausal, could gain from strategies addressing hormonal changes.

Emerging treatments, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, currently used for obesity and type 2 diabetes, show promise for addressing neurodegenerative pathways associated with Alzheimer’s.

The research reinforces the importance of managing cardiovascular health and obesity early in life. Tailored strategies considering age, sex, and hormonal changes could play a crucial role in reducing Alzheimer’s prevalence and improving long-term brain health.