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A hidden cause of Alzheimer’s that starts 20 years early
Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease can be really tough, especially since many people don’t realize they have it until there’s been some serious damage to their brains.
That can leave families feeling pretty lost and overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: researchers are making strides in catching the early signs of Alzheimer’s.
A recent study even found a marker that could predict the disease up to 20 years before symptoms show up — and the best part? It’s something we can actively work on.
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Visceral Fat and Its Impact
One thing research has shown is that a diet high in saturated fats can lead to changes in the brain that resemble those seen in Alzheimer’s. This includes the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau proteins, not to mention inflammation in the brain.
In a new study examining lifestyle factors like obesity and metabolic health, researchers assessed 80 cognitively healthy people in midlife, exploring how their body fat and overall health might relate to the disease. They found that about 57.5% of participants were obese, with an average BMI of 32.31, which is a pretty big concern.
Participants underwent brain PET scans, body MRIs, and various health assessments. Researchers focused specifically on visceral fat — that pesky fat that surrounds our organs — and how it impacts brain health.
What they discovered was pretty eye-opening. People with higher levels of visceral fat had more amyloid buildup, which accounted for an astonishing 77% of the effect attributed to high BMI. Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, the lead author of the study, pointed out that this is a big deal: “Our study showed that higher visceral fat was associated with higher levels of those two key proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.”
These findings, while a bit alarming, actually give us a chance to make positive changes. It highlights the importance of tackling obesity and related health issues to lower Alzheimer’s risk. Knowing that there’s something we can do can be really encouraging.
Results also showed an association between higher insulin resistance and lower HDL and high amyloid levels in the brain. Interestingly, the impact of visceral fat on amyloid was partially reduced in people with higher HDL levels (the good cholesterol).
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Cerebral Blood Flow Matters
In a follow-up study, the researchers took a closer look at how blood flow in the brain differed between people with high and low levels of visceral and subcutaneous fat.
They found that those with obesity and a lot of visceral fat had reduced blood flow in areas of the brain crucial for memory and processing sensory information.
That’s definitely something to be aware of, especially when combined with the fact that there were no major differences found among groups with varying levels of subcutaneous fat.
Both studies indicate lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing visceral fat could influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing or delaying its onset. And the earlier you begin, the better.
Changes that may save your brain
What all this means is that making lifestyle changes to reduce visceral fat could really help delay or even prevent Alzheimer’s down the line.
If you’re thinking about making some positive changes, consider swapping out processed foods and unhealthy trans fats for a Mediterranean-style diet that focuses on fish, lean meats, fruits, and veggies. Even something as simple as adding a daily avocado could help reduce visceral fat — plus, they’re delicious!
You might also want to incorporate foods that are rich in resveratrol, like berries and grapes. Resveratrol has shown a lot of potential in helping counteract some negative effects of high-fat diets, so it could be a great addition to your meals.
In a nutshell, understanding how visceral fat, obesity, and Alzheimer’s risk are connected can empower us to take charge of our brain health. It might feel a bit overwhelming at times, but with the right knowledge and support, we can make choices that help protect our minds for the future.
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Source:
1. Hidden fat predicts Alzheimer’s 20 years ahead of symptoms — EurekAlert!
By Carolyn Gretton
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