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D., M.PH., also contributed to this latest research.
“Our hope is this work helps drive awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to protect against Alzheimer’s risk and inspires individuals who are at risk of Alzheimer’s to seek interventions that can delay its onset,” said Dr. Raji.
“Our goal is to encourage all of us to make better health choices to prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Dolatshahi added.
Dr. Dolatshahi and colleagues are investigating methods to preserve brain health by modifying lifestyle behaviors and adherence to prescription regimens in midlife adults.
Dr. Dolatshahi emphasized the role of interdisciplinary research in understanding how lifestyle changes improve brain health.
The team will present their findings at RSNA 2024 on how body fat influences Alzheimer’s risk and brain function and how interventions that reduce obesity, particularly visceral fat, may delay Alzheimer’s onset.
Dr. Raji and Dolatshahi and their colleagues will also examine how liver and skeletal muscle fat contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology.
Their ultimate goal is to develop lifestyle interventions for individuals at high risk of Alzheimer’s due to obesity or other metabolic abnormalities to prevent or delay the disease.
“This study marks an exciting new chapter in our understanding of how obesity impacts the brain and why controlling body fat in midlife may be paramount in lowering Alzheimer’s risk,” Dr. Raji said.
These findings address the critical need for proactive measures to control visceral fat and metabolic abnormalities in midlife to curb Alzheimer’s disease. The potential impact on public health is significant, as Alzheimer’s poses a growing global burden.
The researchers will continue to investigate how reducing visceral fat may improve cerebral blood flow and reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
“We are excited to further explore how lifestyle alterations, medications, and preventive measures can change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s risk,” Dr. Dolatshahi said.
Their work underscores the importance of early interventions in midlife to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s progression.
The findings support the development of targeted treatments and interventions to tackle the root causes of obesity-related brain damage.
Ultimately, understanding the impact of obesity on the brain and Alzheimer’s pathology may help pave the way for innovative approaches to combat this devastating disease.
In conclusion, the latest study underscores the potential link between visceral fat and Alzheimer’s risk decades before symptoms appear. By addressing obesity-related metabolic abnormalities early in midlife, lifestyle modifications and interventions may help mitigate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. The findings highlight the critical need for proactive measures to control visceral fat and metabolic abnormalities to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s onset, emphasizing the importance of early interventions and lifestyle changes to protect brain health and combat the growing global burden of Alzheimer’s disease.
