A new medical study presented at a major U.S. radiology conference has found that obesity can speed up biological changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say these warning signs can now be detected earlier through blood tests.
The findings raise new concerns about how excess weight affects long-term brain health.
According to the report published on a medical website, the research was presented this week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
The study analyzed five years of blood samples and brain scans from 407 participants.
Researchers focused on specific chemical elements in the blood known as biomarkers, which help detect the early onset of Alzheimer’s. These included pTau217, NfL, and GFAP, all of which are closely linked to brain degeneration.
The results showed a striking pattern: Alzheimer’s-related markers in overweight individuals increased 29% to 95% faster compared to people with normal weight.
Experts say this demonstrates that obesity doesn’t just affect the body—it accelerates brain-related damage long before symptoms appear.
Blood Tests Detect Alzheimer’s Earlier than scans
Scientists involved in the study say blood tests may detect early signs of Alzheimer’s much sooner than traditional brain scans.
This breakthrough raises hopes for earlier treatment, especially in people who may not yet show visible symptoms but are biologically at risk.
The study also highlighted a hopeful takeaway: reducing obesity or maintaining a healthy weight can slow the rate of brain deterioration.
Researchers emphasized that weight gain is not just linked to heart disease or diabetes but has a “profound impact” on overall brain health.
This is the first study to measure the link between obesity and Alzheimer’s using blood biomarker tests, marking a major step forward in understanding how lifestyle factors affect cognitive decline.
