Study Links Midlife Diet and Waist-to-Hip Ratio to Long-Term Brain Health

Research shows that a healthier diet and lower waist-to-hip ratio in middle age are associated with better cognitive function and brain connectivity later in life.

• A longitudinal study involving over 600 British civil servants found that individuals with a lower waist-to-hip ratio in midlife exhibited better cognitive performance in their 70s.
• Participants who adhered to healthier diets during middle age showed improved brain connectivity, particularly in the hippocampus, a region critical for memory and learning.
• Higher waist-to-hip ratios were linked to decreases in white matter integrity, which can negatively impact memory and executive function.
• The study highlights midlife, particularly ages 48 to 70, as a crucial window for interventions targeting diet and central obesity to improve long-term brain health.
• Researchers emphasize that it is never too late to make dietary improvements, which can still positively impact brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

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