New Study Links Abdominal Fat to Alzheimers Disease

Abdominal fat has long been linked to a higher risk of diabetes, stroke
and heart disease. Now, it seems that being 'apple' shaped can also put
people at a higher risk of suffering from dementia in later life.

Previous research has shown that obesity can increase the risks of
developing dementia but now, a new study has found a separate risk from
having extra fat stored around the abdominal area.

The study involved over 6,500 people who were monitored for an average
of 36 years. Compared to people with normal body weight and a low belly
measurement, people with normal body weight and high belly measurements
were 89 percent more likely to have dementia. And the risk increased
among overweight and obese people with high belly measurements.

The authors concluded: "Central obesity in midlife increases risk of
dementia independent of diabetes and cardiovascular co-morbidities. 50%
of adults have central obesity; therefore, mechanisms linking central
obesity to dementia need to be unveiled."

It's not known why abdominal fat may promote dementia, but it may
produce substances that could be harmful to the brain, the researchers said.

Sources:
Neurology March 26, 2008

From Nutri's Newsletter No. 98