Alzheimer’s risk could be reduced by losing 'hidden' body fat, study finds

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Hidden fat in parts of the body was found to be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study. Researchers have linked a specific type of belly fat to higher levels of the abnormal proteins in the brain that are hallmarks of the most common kind of dementia.

The study found that this link can show up as early as 20 years before Alzheimer's symptoms start - with the research team emphasising that lifestyle changes targeted at reducing this visceral fat could influence the development of the disease.

Senior study author Dr Cyrus A. Raji said: “Knowing that visceral obesity negatively affects the brain opens up the possibility that treatment with lifestyle modifications or appropriate weight-loss drugs could improve cerebral blood flow and potentially lower the burden of and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.” READ NEXT: Doctors warn Brits may be consuming an extra 2,800 calories per week Visceral fat is the name for belly fat that is found deep within the abdominal cavity.

It surrounds important organs, including the stomach, liver and intestines. While visceral fat is often considered “invisible” or “hidden fat” there are ways to tell if you have too much of it - including by measuring your waist, your waist-to-hip ratio and your body shape.