Khaberni - Scientists have discovered that increased muscle mass and reduced hidden belly fat are associated with a younger biological age for the brain. It appears that deep visceral fat accelerates brain aging, while muscle mass provides a protective effect.
According to "Science Daily", this conclusion comes from a study that will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Radiation which starts in Chicago on November 30.
Visceral fat
Researchers reported that individuals with more muscle mass and a lower ratio of visceral fat to muscle tend to show signs of a younger biological brain age, and visceral fat refers to fat stored deep in the abdomen around major internal organs.
Dr. Cyrus Raji, the lead researcher of the study from the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University, said: "Healthier bodies, which have more muscle mass and less hidden belly fat, are likely to have healthier and more youthful brains."
He added: "Improving brain health, in turn, reduces the risk of future brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's."
Estimating brain age
The biological brain age is an estimate based on its structure as it appears through magnetic resonance imaging.
Body imaging with magnetic resonance imaging can track muscle mass, which is an indicator of efforts made to reduce weakness and enhance overall health.
Also, the estimated brain age from structural scans can shed light on Alzheimer's disease risk factors, including muscle loss.
Brain aging
Dr. Raji said: "While it is known that chronological aging translates into loss of muscle mass and an increase in hidden belly fat, this research shows that these health measurements are linked to the aging of the brain itself."
He continued: "It demonstrates that muscle mass and body-measured fat are a major reflection of brain health, as is followed with brain aging."
