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Body Composition Linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Risk

New study reveals that fat distribution and muscle strength influence the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

Photo of a woman measuring her waist with an inset of a brain. The distribution of fat around our bodies may be more important in determining our risk of neurological disorders than our overall body weight.
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Overview

  • Higher levels of belly and arm fat increase the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
  • Muscle strength, particularly grip strength, offers protective benefits against these diseases.
  • Researchers emphasize the importance of reducing central obesity and increasing muscle mass.
  • Study tracked over 400,000 participants for an average of nine years.
  • Findings suggest cardiovascular health is closely tied to neurodegenerative disease risk.