A study found that having more belly fat in your 40s or 50s can be linked to memory problems later on. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis did the study and shared their results at a conference.
The study looked at different types of body fat and how they affect the brain. They found that having belly fat around your organs, called visceral fat, can be connected to early signs of memory issues like Alzheimer’s.
Another type of fat, called subcutaneous fat, was not linked to memory problems. This means that not all body fat is the same when it comes to brain health.
The study used special machines like MRI to measure the different fat levels in the body. The researchers hope that by understanding more about how certain fats affect the brain, we can find ways to prevent memory problems in the future.
Until we know more, staying active and eating well are still the best ways to keep our brains healthy.
Vocabulary List:
- Visceral /ˈvɪs.ər.əl/ (adjective): Relating to the internal organs.
- Subcutaneous /ˌsʌb.kjuːˈteɪ.ni.əs/ (adjective): Existing or occurring under the skin.
- Linked /lɪŋkt/ (verb): Connected or related to something.
- Memory /ˈmɛm.ə.ri/ (noun): The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.
- Researchers /ˈriːˌsɜːr.tʃərz/ (noun): Individuals who conduct systematic investigations into a subject.
- Active /ˈæk.tɪv/ (adjective): Engaging or participating in activities; not inactive.
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