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A new study presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting has found a link between visceral fat and Alzheimer’s disease-related brain proteins up to 20 years before dementia symptoms appear. Visceral fat, a deep layer of belly fat, was identified as a key factor in the formation of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain, which are characteristic markers of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, conducted by lead author Mahsa Dolatshahi, M.D., M.P.H., examined the impact of various lifestyle variables, including obesity, body fat distribution, and metabolism, on the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. The findings revealed that visceral fat played a significant role in enhancing the formation of amyloid by 77% in individuals with high BMI. Other types of fat did not show a similar impact on Alzheimer’s pathology.
Participants in the study were 80 cognitively normal midlifers with an average age of 49.4 years, of which 62.5% were female. The majority of individuals were obese, with an average BMI of 32.31. They underwent brain PET scans, body MRI scans, metabolic evaluations, and lipid panels to assess various health parameters.
The study measured the volume of subcutaneous and visceral fat using abdominal MRIs, as well as muscle and fat volumes via thigh muscle scanning. PET scans were also conducted to evaluate the levels of amyloid and tau in the brain. The results showed that visceral fat was strongly associated with higher levels of amyloid and tau, indicating an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Dolatshahi emphasized the importance of these findings, particularly in midlife when Alzheimer’s pathology is at its earliest stages. Implementing lifestyle modifications to reduce visceral fat and addressing associated metabolic and lipid abnormalities could help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in high-risk individuals.
The study also highlighted the role of insulin resistance and cholesterol levels in exacerbating obesity-related brain damage. Higher levels of HDL (good cholesterol) were found to attenuate the impact of visceral fat on amyloid pathogenesis, suggesting a potential protective mechanism against Alzheimer’s disease.
In a related study to be presented at RSNA 2024, researchers will explore how obesity and visceral fat impair cerebral blood flow in cognitively normal midlife individuals with varying BMI ranges. High visceral fat was associated with reduced whole-brain blood flow, indicating a potential link between obesity, visceral fat, and brain health.
The authors of the study, including Dr. Dolatshahi and Dr. Cyrus A. Raji, emphasized the importance of addressing obesity-related risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease early in midlife. With nearly three out of four Americans classified as overweight or obese, these findings have significant implications for public health.
By understanding the role of visceral fat in Alzheimer’s disease pathology and cerebral blood flow impairment, healthcare providers can develop effective preventive measures and interventions to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in high-risk individuals. Lifestyle modifications, weight-loss medications, and targeted therapies aimed at reducing visceral fat and improving metabolic health could play a crucial role in mitigating Alzheimer’s risk in midlife individuals.
