Visceral fat volume is not solely responsible for cognitive decline in the elderly.
The excessive accumulation of visceral fat—the adipose tissue surrounding internal organs—is not directly linked to a reduction in cognitive function among older adults. This conclusion was reached by the authors of a study published in the journal Medicine, following an analysis of data from 1,323 U.S. residents over the age of 60, gathered during the NHANES survey (2011–2014).
To evaluate visceral obesity, researchers utilized the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), which is calculated based on waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride levels, and HDL cholesterol. Cognitive abilities were assessed using standard tests for memory, verbal fluency, and information processing speed. In the initial statistical models, a higher VAI was associated with poorer performance, particularly concerning the metrics for processing speed and attention.
However, after adjusting the data to account for socio-demographic factors, lifestyle habits, and existing clinical comorbidities—such as hypertension and lipid metabolism disorders—the statistically significant correlation between VAI and cognitive scores disappeared.
This critical finding indicates that the associations previously observed are largely explained by co-occurring cardiometabolic and social factors, rather than by the volume of visceral fat itself.
The authors emphasize that while these results do not negate the overall negative impact of visceral obesity on general health, they clarify its specific, isolated role (or lack thereof) in the process of cognitive aging.
In related research, scientists previously discovered that the daily consumption of roasted, unsalted peanuts may contribute to improved cerebral blood flow and verbal memory.
