A study published last week in Annals of Neurology has suggested that people with fat stomachs could be at greater risk of developing dementia. The research, carried out by the University School of Medicine in Boston, demonstrated that levels of visceral fat that surround the organs are associated with smaller total brain volume. Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society said that dementia is strongly associated with low brain volume.
Excess abdominal weight is already known to be associated with high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes; these are all major risk factors for dementia.
To reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes and dementia it may be beneficial to keep levels of visceral fat low by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle. To talk to Emma about how to make changes to your diet Click Here.