A new study reveals that visceral fat levels may help predict Alzheimer’s disease risk up to 20 years before symptoms appear.
Presented at the 2024 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting, the research links high visceral fat and poor metabolic health to increased amyloid-beta and tau protein accumulation—key markers of Alzheimer’s.
Led by Dr. Masa Dolatshahi from Washington University, the study found that individuals with more visceral fat had higher amyloid and tau buildup and reduced brain blood flow. Other fat types showed no significant impact.
Dr. Dolatshahi highlighted that reducing visceral fat through lifestyle changes or treatments could enhance brain health and lower Alzheimer’s risk, offering a potential path for early prevention.
