A recent study has suggested that making changes to one’s diet in midlife could potentially ‘prevent or delay’ the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The research has pinpointed a specific type of body fat that is associated with abnormal proteins in the brain, which are regarded as “hallmarks” of the disease. These proteins can indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s up to twenty years before the initial symptoms of dementia appear, as outlined in the study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) on Monday.
The study’s lead author, Mahsa Dolatshahi, a post-doctoral research associate at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri, highlighted the significance of investigating Alzheimer’s disease pathology at an early stage in midlife, when potential modifications such as weight loss and reducing visceral fat could have a more significant impact on preventing or delaying the disease’s onset.
The study examined the correlation between modifiable lifestyle factors like obesity, body fat distribution, metabolic aspects, and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. 80 individuals classified as “cognitively normal” took part in the study, with an average age of 49.4 and a majority of 62.5% being female. Among these participants, over half (57.5%) were found to be obese, with an average BMI of 32.31. Various tests were conducted on the participants, including MRI scans, glucose and insulin level checks, and a cholesterol examination.
Dr Dolatshahi further elaborated on the study’s findings, stating that a higher presence of visceral fat was linked to elevated levels of amyloid and tau – key proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease – as detected in PET scans. This connection between visceral fat and abnormal proteins explained a significant portion of the relationship between increased BMI and the accumulation of amyloid.
These results shed light on the potential impact of managing Alzheimer’s risk in obesity by addressing related metabolic and lipid issues associated with higher body fat. The study underscores the importance of lifestyle modifications and targeted interventions in midlife to potentially mitigate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In conclusion, the study emphasises the role of diet and lifestyle choices in influencing the development of Alzheimer’s disease, with a specific focus on the impact of body fat distribution. By addressing obesity and visceral fat in midlife, individuals may have the opportunity to delay or prevent the onset of this neurodegenerative condition. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights into effective strategies for Alzheimer’s prevention and management.