Study identifies link between ’beige fat cells’ and dementia

Beige fat ‘indispensable’ in protecting the brain from dementia

Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University in the US have found out that beige fat cells, which are typically intermingled with white fat cells in the subcutaneous fat present on “pear shaped” people, mediate subcutaneous fat’s brain protection.

Pear-shaped people, whose weight is generally distributed more evenly, rather than “apple shaped” individuals with fat clustered around their middle and often around internal organs like the liver in the abdominal cavity, are considered less at risk for cardiometabolic problems like heart disease and diabetes, as well as cognitive decline.

The scientists have shown that beige fat cells, or adipocytes, are “indispensable” to the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of subcutaneous fat.

According to the researchers, exercise and cold exposure are said to enable the so-called “beiging” of white fat cells.

Besides this study, work has also been done previously showing that high-fat diet prompts microglia to become uncharacteristically sedentary and it starts eating the connections between neurons.

The scientists do not want their findings to cause excessive concern in overweight individuals or generate more prejudice against them, rather the work is about better identifying risk factors and different points and methods of intervention to fit the needs of individuals.