Diet changes could ‘delay or prevent’ Alzheimer’s – new research

Diet Changes Could ‘Delay or Prevent’ Alzheimer’s – Groundbreaking Research

A recent study suggests that changes to one’s diet in midlife could potentially stave off or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The research has pinpointed a specific type of body fat that is linked to abnormal proteins in the brain, which are known as the “hallmarks” of Alzheimer’s. These proteins can indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s up to twenty years before any dementia symptoms emerge, as highlighted in the study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) this week.

Researchers involved in the study propose that lifestyle adjustments aimed at reducing this particular fat, referred to as visceral fat, could have a significant impact on the progression of Alzheimer’s. The lead author of the study, Mahsa Dolatshahi, a post-doctoral research associate at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) at Washingt0n University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri, emphasised the importance of examining Alzheimer’s pathology in midlife, specifically in the 40s and 50s, when the disease pathology is in its early stages and lifestyle modifications like weight loss and visceral fat reduction could be more effective in preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s onset.

The study focused on exploring the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors such as obesity, body fat distribution, metabolic aspects, and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. The study involved 80 participants who were considered “cognitively normal,” with an average age of 49.4, and a majority (62.5%) being female. Among the participants, over half (57.5%) were found to be obese, with an average BMI of 32.31. Various tests were conducted, including MRI scans to measure the volume of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, glucose and insulin level checks, and cholesterol examinations.

The research delved into the association of factors like BMI, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, liver fat fraction, thigh fat, muscle, insulin resistance, and HDL (good cholesterol) with amyloid and tau deposition in Alzheimer’s disease. PET scans with specialised tracers were used to detect Alzheimer’s pathology, showing that higher levels of visceral fat were linked to increased amyloid levels, which explained a significant portion of the relationship between high BMI and amyloid accumulation. The study also revealed that no other types of fat were implicated in the escalation of Alzheimer’s-related issues due to obesity.

The senior study author, Cyrus A. Raji, associate professor of radiology at MIR, noted that managing Alzheimer’s risk in obesity would involve addressing the metabolic and lipid issues associated with higher body fat. Dr Dolatshahi highlighted the unique aspect of their study in accurately characterising body fat with MRI beyond just BMI, providing valuable insights into how obesity can heighten the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Insights and Summary:

The groundbreaking research on the potential impact of diet changes in midlife on Alzheimer’s prevention or delay sheds light on the importance of proactive lifestyle modifications in mitigating the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the specific role of visceral fat in Alzheimer’s pathology at early stages could pave the way for targeted interventions and personalised strategies to reduce the burden of the disease. By highlighting the link between obesity, body fat distribution, and Alzheimer’s markers, the study underscores the significance of holistic approaches to brain health that encompass not just cognitive factors but also metabolic and lipid profiles. As we continue to unravel the intricate connections between lifestyle factors and neurological diseases, the findings from this study offer hope for potentially transformative interventions in the fight against Alzheimer’s.