Alzheimer’s, Dementia Linked to Stomach Fat
Excess stomach fat may put you at higher risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s someday, according to a new study.
The study data was announced by Sudha Seshadri, MD, an associate professor of neurology at the Boston University School of Medicine. The results of the study were published online in the Annals of Neurology.
Dr Seshadri says deep stomach fat, which is also called visceral fat, is the real problem. The more visceral fat you’re packing, the more likely it is that you’ll have a smaller brain as you get older. Smaller brain volume has been associated with lesser cognitive function and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
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Some past research has looked at the risks of excess stomach fat, with experts warning it raises the risk of heart problems. The relationship to brain health and cognitive function is more recent.
Dr. Seshadri says that before her study, it was generally accepted that midlife obesity was a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia. But this recent study seems to indicate that stomach fat – not overall obesity – is a greater risk.
Seshadri’s team measured both visceral or deep stomach fat and subcutaneous fat, which is the kind that lies just below the skin.
Their research was not able to quantify the risk of having a greater amount of stomach fat with a specific brain shrinkage. But Dr. Seshadri says the results she found are linear: the more deep stomach fat around the stomach, the smaller the size of the brain.
Medical research has not been able to show why deep stomach fat reduces brain volume. There’s a theory that inflammation may play a role, as obesity has been linked to inflammation in the body.
The results of Dr. Seshadri’s investigation serve as yet another reminder of the importance of eating low fat, healthy food and exercising to keep your weight in a healthy range. Most people tend to put on stomach fat with each passing year. The excess weight can lead to a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol readings, heart trouble and diabetes.
It’s also important to remember that obesity and it’s effects are now the primary cause cause of liver problems in both the United States and Canada. Until recently, the most common liver disease had been cirrhosis.
George McKenzie is a former TV news anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He often contributes articles to Stomach Problems, a resource website about stomach health and wellness.