Body Composition and Brain Aging Links in Chinese Adults

Background: Cognitive decline in aging populations poses a significant public health challenge, with neurodegenerative diseases affecting millions. Existing studies indicate that various factors, including body composition, can influence brain health, but specific relationships in diverse populations, including Chinese adults, remain underexplored.

Method: This cross-sectional study involved 1,200 Chinese adults aged 50 and older. Participants underwent body composition analysis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and cognitive assessments through standardized neuropsychological tests. Statistical methods included multivariate regression to identify associations between body composition metrics and cognitive performance.

Results: The study found that higher percentages of body fat were significantly associated with lower cognitive scores, with a 10% increase in body fat percentage correlating to a 15% decrease in cognitive performance scores (P<0.01). Additionally, muscle mass was positively linked to cognitive function, with each 1 kg increase in muscle mass related to a 7% increase in cognitive scores (P<0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that body composition variables, particularly fat and muscle mass, significantly influence cognitive health in Chinese adults, supporting interventions aimed at improving body composition as a potential strategy to mitigate cognitive decline. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the study, which precludes causal inferences, necessitating longitudinal studies for confirmation.

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