Link Between Intermuscular Fat and Cognitive Speed
Author Information
Author(s): Toshiko Tanaka, Huang Xianging, Khan Sadiya, Miljkovic Iva, Terry James Greg, Tian Teresa, Rosano Caterina, Ferrucci Luigi
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms linking higher intermuscular fat to poor cognitive function?
Conclusion
Higher intermuscular fat is associated with lower cognitive processing speed, potentially mediated by specific proteins related to synaptic function and growth factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Intermuscular fat has been linked to cognitive function.
- The study involved two independent cohorts for validation.
- 718 proteins were significantly associated with intermuscular fat.
- 28 proteins mediated the relationship between intermuscular fat and cognitive speed.
Takeaway
Having more fat between your muscles might make it harder for your brain to work quickly, and some special proteins could be part of the reason why.
Methodology
Plasma proteomics were measured using 7K SOMAscan, and intermuscular fat was assessed via CT scans, with cognitive speed evaluated using the digit symbol substitution test.
Participant Demographics
Participants included individuals from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging and the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
FDR p<=0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website