Diet and Waist-to-Hip Ratio in Midlife Linked to Brain Health in Later Years: Study
New Delhi: What you eat in midlife and where your body stores fat could shape your brain health in later years, influencing memory and cognitive function as you age.
A recent study has found that diet quality and waist to hip ratio (WHR) in midlife are strongly associated with brain connectivity and cognitive performance in older age. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Oxford and University College London, highlights the long-term impact of lifestyle choices on brain health. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.
The study revealed that individuals who maintained a healthier diet during midlife showed increased hippocampal functional connectivity to the occipital lobe and cerebellum, as well as better white matter integrity. These changes contributed to improved working memory, executive function, and overall cognitive performance.
On the other hand, a higher WHR in midlife was linked to widespread reductions in white matter integrity, particularly affecting memory and executive function. The study found that reduced fractional anisotropy in these brain regions correlated with poorer cognitive performance.
"Healthier diets and lower waist to hip ratio during midlife correlate with improved brain health in older age," the researchers stated in the study.
The study analyzed data from the Whitehall II Study, a long-term cohort study based in the UK, focusing on dietary habits and WHR over extended periods. Researchers assessed diet quality using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 score, which was measured three times over an 11-year span. WHR was measured five times across 21 years, providing insights into the long-term effects of central obesity on brain function.
The global shift toward unhealthier diets has contributed to rising rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, all of which are known risk factors for dementia. However, research on the combined impact of diet quality and fat distribution on brain health remains limited.
"These findings suggest that interventions to improve diet and manage central obesity might be most effective between ages 48 and 70 years," the study noted.
Previous studies have suggested that midlife is a crucial period for cognitive health interventions, but long-term evidence linking diet and brain connectivity has been scarce. This study adds to growing research emphasizing the importance of dietary choices and metabolic health in maintaining cognitive function later in life.
By demonstrating that both diet quality and WHR can influence brain connectivity and cognition, the study underscores the need for public health strategies that encourage healthier eating and weight management as preventive measures against age-related cognitive decline.