Belly and arms: hidden indicators of risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?
Accumulation of fat increases the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
A new study, published in the prestigious journal Neurology, sheds new light on the link between our body composition and brain health. Researchers have found that fat accumulation in specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen and arms, could increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. On the contrary, a good muscle mass would seem to protect against these pathologies.
The research
Analysing data from over 400,000 people followed for almost a decade, scientists have observed a significant association between:
- Abdominal fat and risk of neurodegenerative diseases: People with a high ABL had up to 13% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s than their slimmer peers
- Fat in the arms and risk of neurodegenerative diseases: Also the accumulation of fat in the arms was found to be a risk factor, increasing the probability of developing these pathologies by 18%
- Muscle mass and protection: In contrast, good muscle strength was found to be protective, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by about 26%
Underlying mechanisms
Although further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind these associations, researchers speculate that abdominal and arm fat may promote chronic inflammation and insulinresistance, factors known to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, muscle mass may play a protective role by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.
The importance of a healthy weight
These findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular physical activity to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Efforts should focus on reducing abdominal fat and increasing muscle mass, especially from middle age.
Limitations of the study
It is important to note that the study has some limitations. The participants were mainly of European origin, so results may not be generalizable to other populations. In addition, the study was observational and cannot establish a cause-effect relationship.
The solution? Healthy weight and balanced diet
The results of this research offer new insights for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity and a balanced diet are habits that can help protect our brains and delay the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.