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Is fat distribution a risk factor of cognitive functioning during menopause transition and beyond?
Maninder Kaur1, Raminder Kaur1
1Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Health Care for Women International
|May 13, 2026
Summary
This study found that certain body fat distributions are linked to cognitive function in North Indian women. Higher body fat, especially abdominal fat, was associated with a greater risk of cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a growing concern, particularly in aging populations.
- Fat distribution patterns may influence brain health and cognitive function.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between body composition, specifically fat distribution, and cognitive functioning.
- To explore potential differences in fat distribution between cognitively normal and impaired perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- To identify specific fat distribution metrics that may serve as risk factors for cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 222 perimenopausal and postmenopausal rural women in North India.
- Body composition was assessed using DEXA scans.
- Cognitive functioning was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale.
Main Results:
- Women with normal cognitive function had significantly higher weight, total fat mass, trunk fat mass, android fat mass, and gynoid fat mass compared to those with cognitive impairment.
- Truncal fat mass showed the strongest correlation with android fat mass in both cognitive groups.
- After adjusting for age and menopausal status, increased % body fat and particularly % android fat were associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Specific patterns of fat distribution, notably higher android fat, are significantly associated with cognitive impairment in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- These findings suggest a potential role for body fat distribution in the pathophysiology of cognitive decline.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship and its clinical implications.
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