Big Belly Means Big Dementia Issues

People who have belly fat are more likely to develop some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease according to a new study. The research revealed that higher body mass index resulted in smaller brain volume. It is estimated that 24 million people worldwide have some type of dementia. This number is expected to increase to 84 million by 2040. According to this new research, the growing obesity epidemic may make this issue much bigger.

The study was led by Dr. Sudha Seshadri of the Boston University School of Medicine. Researchers measured the abdominal girth of 733 people with an average age of 60. 70 percent of the participants in the study were women. Researchers studied the participant’s brain volume by using CT scans. The people with bigger waistlines tended to have smaller brain volume than those who had an apparent waist line.

Belly fat has always been considered dangerous to the heart because of the close proximity. This new research reveals it is harmful to the brain as well. Abdominal fat increases the level of acids released into the body, causing blood pressure and blood sugar increases. These two conditions increase the risk of heart and vascular disease, which is  linked with dementia. Vascular disease causes a hardening of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain and heart.

Although this particular study does not reveal what a safe, healthy waist line is, doctors suggest women aim to stay below 35 inches and men aim for 40 inches or less. The study has been published in the journal Annals of Neurology.