New Research Shows Where Fat Accumulates on Your Body is a Key Predictor of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

A new study suggests that where fat accumulates on your body could affect your risk of developing neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

This research, published in the medical journal Neurology, points to belly and arm fat as potential warning signs.

Shishi Xu, the study’s lead author from West China Hospital of Sichuan University, explains, “Body composition and cardiovascular diseases may be potential targets for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.”

The numbers are eye-opening: people with higher levels of belly fat faced a 13% greater risk of these conditions, while those with more arm fat saw an 18% increase.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though.

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The study also found that muscle strength could be protective.

Individuals with high muscle strength were 26% less likely to develop these diseases compared to those with low strength.

Cardiovascular health plays a key role in this equation.

Xu notes that excess belly fat raises the risk of heart problems, which in turn increases the likelihood of brain diseases down the road.

Dr. James Galvin, an expert not involved in the study, wasn’t shocked by these findings.

He points out that scientists have long suspected a two-way street between brain and body health.

So, what does this mean for you? The researchers suggest that improving body composition might be more effective than just losing weight.

Xu recommends “engaging in resistance training, reducing sedentary behavior and adhering to a balanced diet” to help reduce abdominal fat and boost muscle strength.

It’s worth noting that this study, like many in health research, shows a correlation but can’t prove direct cause and effect.

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The bottom line: Don’t just focus on the scale. Where your body stores fat and how much muscle you have might matter more for your brain’s future than previously thought.