Those with the highest belly measurements had almost three times the risk of dementia compared to those with the lowest. Belly size appeared to make a difference even in patients with normal body weight.Belly size is linked to a kind of fat that grows around organs and produces harmful substances. Experts believe that belly fat is more dangerous than other kinds of fat cells that grow just under the skin.
The researchers say this is the first study to demonstrate a link between midlife belly fat and the risk of dementia. Still, it is possible that this apparent connection could be the result of a complex set of health-related behaviors.
The findings appeared in the journal Neurology. Rachel Whitmer from the Kaiser Permanente research division led the study. She says the findings do not explain why belly fat may be linked to dementia. But she says the study should send a warning.
Other research has shown that brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease might begin as early as young adulthood. And another study showed that belly fat in old people was tied to increased loss of brain cells.
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