CONNECTION BETWEEN MUSCLE MASS AND BRAINS
The brain-body connection is well-established: Maintaining the latter helps maximize function of the former.
But the latest research out of Florida Atlantic University’s Comprehensive Center for Brain Health and Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine sheds new light on risk factors for decreased cognitive function and potential dementia.
In a study published this summer in Clinical Interventions in Aging, FAU researchers (led by neurologist and Associate Dean for Clinical Research Dr. James Galvin) found that sarcopenia — the loss of muscle mass that naturally happens with aging — plays a bigger role in cognitive function than previously understood.
And furthermore, sarcopenic obesity — the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity — puts a person at far greater risk for cognitive issues than the presence of either condition by themselves.
“Sarcopenia has been linked to global cognitive impairment and dysfunction in specific cognitive skills, including memory, speed, and executive functions,” said Galvin. “Understanding the mechanisms through which this syndrome may affect cognition is important because we can try to prevent cognitive decline later in life by targeting at-risk groups who have an imbalance between lean and fat mass.”
Both sarcopenia and obesity present their own unique risk factors — especially when it comes to cognitive function in seniors.
Galvin noted that obesity — which compromises a person’s vascular, metabolic and inflammatory response systems — may lead to “impaired executive function” and “reduced impulse control.”
The study stated that “the exact mechanisms linking obesity to cognitive dysfunction are yet to be determined, although several pathways including sedentary behavior, inflammation, and vascular damage have been proposed. Sarcopenia, in turn, has been linked to impairments in abilities that relate to conflict reso-
lution and selective attention.”
Gerontologists have long warned against the perils of seniors gaining fat and/or losing muscle mass. But their warnings were usually framed in the context of what it meant for such physical concerns as:
■ Cardiovascular health
■ Circulatory health
■ Orthopedic health
■ Arthritis
■ Diabetes
■ Organ functioning
■ Cancer risks
■ Functional fitness (maintaining the ability to perform daily activities)
Galvin’s study was comprised of more than 350 participants (average age 69) who were evaluated on data that included a clinical assessment, cognitive testing, memory testing, functional/strength testing and body composition testing.
The participants were divided into four groups: 1) Sarcopenia only; 2) Obesity only; 3) Sarcopenia and obesity; 4) Neither sarcopenia nor obesity.
Galvin found that subjects in group three had a “threefold greater likelihood” of being at risk for cognitive decline and potential dementia.
Sarcopenia by itself presented the secondgreatest risk for cognitive deterioration, followed by those with obesity only.
However, Galvin believes that those at greatest risk may benefit from strength-building programs — and by reducing their body-fat percentages.
“No matter how old a person is, it’s never too late to start a strength- and muscle-building regimen,” said Galvin. “And we’re not talking about heavy weights — any kind of anaerobic weight-training with light dumbells or resistance bands will increase muscle mass.”
Likewise, he urges seniors embarking on muscle-building programs to prioritize “maintaining and increasing their flexibility as well.”
Galvin stresses that a sensible dietary program also has to be a component of reducing risk for cognitive impairment and decline.
The diet he most often recommends to patients is the MIND diet — which combines the philosophies of the Mediterranean diet and DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension).
(MIND is an acronym for Mediterranean DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay.)
The program is centered on the following foods:
■ Vegetables (especially green leafy ones)
■ Berries
■ Raw nuts
■ Olive oil
■ Whole grains
■ Fish (never fried)
■ Beans
■ Poultry (never fried)
■ One glass of red wine daily
“This diet has been shown to benefit both brain and body function,” Galvin said.