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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
10:30
Whole Body and Regional Quantification of Active Human Brown Adipose Tissue Using 18F-FDG PET/CT
Published on: April 1, 2019
Relation between central adiposity and cognitive function in the Maine-Syracuse Study: attenuation by physical
Gregory A Dore1, Merrill F Elias, Michael A Robbins
1Department of Psychology, University of Maine, 5742 Little Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5742, USA. gregory.dore@maine.edu
Summary
Central adiposity, measured by waist circumference and waist/hip ratio, is linked to poorer cognitive function. Physical activity significantly influences this association, highlighting its importance in research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Previous research indicates a link between central adiposity and cognitive function.
- However, many studies lack adjustments for crucial factors like cardiovascular health and physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between central adiposity (waist circumference, waist/hip ratio) and cognitive function.
- To account for cardiovascular disease risk factors and physical activity levels in this analysis.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 917 community-dwelling adults without stroke or dementia.
- Cognitive function assessed using standardized tests (e.g., Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination).
Main Results:
- Inverse relationship found between central adiposity measures and cognitive domains.
- Associations were attenuated by cardiovascular risk factors.
- Physical activity adjustment revealed that only waist circumference remained significantly linked to specific cognitive tests (Similarities).
Conclusions:
- Central adiposity measures are inversely associated with cognitive function.
- This relationship is partly explained by cardiovascular risk factors but significantly attenuated by physical activity.
- Physical activity is a critical factor to consider when examining central adiposity's impact on cognition.
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