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December 3, 2024 — Washington, D.C.
A groundbreaking study has revealed that hidden belly fat, or visceral fat, may predict Alzheimer’s disease up to two decades before symptoms appear. Presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the research highlights a significant link between visceral fat and the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain—key indicators of Alzheimer’s.
Visceral fat, distinct from subcutaneous fat under the skin, accumulates around internal organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys. This metabolically active fat is known to contribute to numerous health risks, including heart disease and diabetes. The new findings add Alzheimer’s disease to that list, offering potential avenues for early intervention.
The study, conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, analyzed 80 cognitively healthy middle-aged participants with an average age of 49.4 years. Nearly 58% of the participants were classified as obese, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 32.31. Using advanced imaging techniques, the team examined various fat deposits and their relationship with Alzheimer’s pathology.
Lead researcher Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, a postdoctoral associate at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, explained the findings: “Our study showed that higher levels of visceral fat were associated with increased accumulation of amyloid and tau—the hallmark proteins of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Notably, visceral fat explained 77% of the effect of high BMI on amyloid buildup, a significant finding that was not mirrored by other fat types like subcutaneous or liver fat. The research also linked higher insulin resistance and lower levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”) with increased amyloid levels. However, the negative impact of visceral fat on amyloid accumulation was lessened in individuals with higher HDL levels.
“This study goes beyond using BMI to characterize body fat more accurately with MRI and, in so doing, reveals key insights about why obesity can increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Dolatshahi.
The findings underscore the importance of managing belly fat through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to mitigate risks not only for cardiovascular diseases but also for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to understand the mechanisms connecting visceral fat to Alzheimer’s pathology and to explore interventions that could delay or prevent the disease’s onset. For now, the study serves as a wake-up call for adopting healthier lifestyles to protect brain health in the long term.
