A recent study shows that a large amount of fat on the arms and belly is linked to an increased risk of dementia and Parkinson’s, and reducing this excess while building strength may protect the brain, according to Yahoo Life.
There is a link between belly fat and brain health. PHOTO Shutterstock
The nine-year study, the results of which were published in the journal Neurology, is the latest research linking belly fat to neurodegenerative diseases.
During the research period, 8,224 of the more than 412,000 people followed in the study developed a form of dementia or Parkinson’s disease (another neurological condition that can cause memory loss as well as motor function problems).
Of these, both men and women with more belly fat were 13 percent more likely to develop the two distinct conditions (which can have overlapping symptoms) compared to those with lower levels of waist fat.
Although the increase in risk was similar in both sexes, men had a higher risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease than women.
According to the same study, arm fat appears to be even more predictive of developing dementia.
Researchers found people with high levels of arm fat had an 18% higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
The link between body fat and brain health
Fat accumulation in the abdomen and arms seems to have an effect “poisonous” and “inflammatory” on other organs, including the cardiovascular system and neurological health, leading to a higher risk of degenerative diseases, explained to Yahoo Life the author of the study, Huan Song, professor of epidemiology at Sichuan University in China.
Like other scientists, the researcher believes that high levels of fat, especially around the waist, indirectly influence dementia risks.
“Central obesity, characterized by excess abdominal fat, is associated with metabolic syndrome, inflammation and insulin resistance, all of which contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease and, consequently, neurodegenerative diseases,” says Dr. Thomas Holland of the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging for Yahoo Life.
Although any form of obesity comes with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, belly fat is more predictive of deep systemic inflammation.
“The location of fat, especially around the abdomen, indicates a greater likelihood of … metabolic complications” which affects the cardiovascular system and consequently the brain, says Thomas Holland.
However, the study also brought good news, concluding that people with “high muscle strength” they presented a 26% lower risk of suffering from these neurodegenerative diseases.
Reducing fat and building strength can prevent Parkinson’s disease and dementia
Grip strength, which was among the factors examined in the new study, may help prevent these diseases.
“Muscle strength helps maintain metabolic efficiency, reduce inflammation and support healthy blood circulation, which are protective factors against neurodegenerative diseases”says Holland.
The study suggests that simple changes to reduce belly and arm fat while improving strength can go a long way in reducing the risks of both dementia and Parkinson’s.
Specialists recommend a balanced diet with healthy ingredients – nuts, extra virgin olive oil and fish such as salmon, antioxidant-rich green leaves and berries – but also exercise.
“The routine should include weight training two to three times a week to build muscle strength, along with stretching and balance exercises to increase flexibility and stability,” says Holland.
