Scientists from NTU Singapore discovered that enlarged perivascular spaces, which block the brain's waste removal system, may serve as early indicators of Alzheimer's disease, especially in Asian populations, and can be identified through routine MRI scans, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.
New research published in The Lancet indicates that being overweight or having excess body fat is a strong predictor of reduced cognitive function, especially in Asian populations. The study found that measures of adiposity and metabolic health markers were significantly associated with cognitive function, with metabolic syndrome, high levels of visceral fat, and low HDL cholesterol related to poorer cognitive performance. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and metabolic health to protect cognitive function.