New study links muscle loss to higher dementia risk
<p>Sydney, Australia: Losing muscle mass as people age could be an important warning sign for dementia risk, new Australian-led research has found.</p> <p>Researchers analyzed more than 80 studies examining links between body weight, body fat, muscle health and dementia, finding that people with sarcopenia had a 42 percent higher risk of dementia, according to a statement released Wednesday by…
A new Australian-led study has revealed that muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, could serve as a significant indicator of increased dementia risk in aging adults. Researchers from Curtin University in Australia analyzed over 80 studies examining the connections between body weight, body fat, muscle health, and dementia. According to the study, individuals with sarcopenia faced a 42 percent higher risk of developing dementia.
Sarcopenia refers to the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function that commonly occurs with age. The study, published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, also found that the link between obesity and dementia depends on the individual's age. People with obesity in middle age, before the age of 65, had a 9 percent higher risk of dementia, while those aged 65 and over with obesity showed a 17 percent lower risk of dementia.
However, researchers cautioned against interpreting this finding as an indication that gaining weight is beneficial for dementia prevention.
The complex relationship between body weight, aging, and dementia suggests that more extensive research is necessary to determine whether low muscle mass and excess body fat together elevate dementia risk. Corresponding author Professor Mario Siervo from Curtin's School of Population Health emphasized the need for further long-term studies to fully comprehend the implications of low muscle mass and excess body fat in relation to dementia.
Lead researcher Uraiporn Booranasuksakul from Thailand's Burapha University highlighted that body weight alone is not a sufficient indicator of dementia risk. Muscle strength and function also play crucial roles as individuals age. The collaborative research team, comprising scientists from Australia, Britain, Canada, Thailand, and Italy, stressed the importance of adopting a lifelong approach to maintaining healthy body composition, focusing on preserving muscle strength and function throughout the aging process.
Written by urgent.news from The Peninsula Qatar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
