Body Composition and Brain Aging Links in Chinese Adults

Background: Brain aging is a significant concern as dementia and cognitive decline are prevalent in aging populations. Understanding the relationship between body composition and brain health can guide interventions. In China, where rapid aging is occurring, addressing the factors influencing cognitive health is paramount.

Method: This cross-sectional study evaluated a representative sample of 1,500 Chinese adults aged 50 and above. Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and brain aging was measured using MRI to analyze regional brain volumes. Statistical analysis included multivariate regression to adjust for confounding variables.

Result: Findings revealed that higher levels of body fat percentage were associated with reduced brain volume in critical regions related to cognition, such as the hippocampus (mean volume reductions of 0.25 cm³ for every 1% increase in body fat, P<0.01). Additionally, low muscle mass correlated with lower cognitive scores on standardized tests, with a risk difference of 20% in cognitive impairment among participants with low muscle mass compared to those with normal levels.

Conclusion: The study highlights the detrimental effects of excessive body fat and low muscle mass on brain health in older Chinese adults. These findings support the necessity of public health strategies aimed at improving body composition to mitigate brain aging and cognitive decline. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inferences, and the need for longitudinal studies to validate these observations.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2025.166