A recent study published in the journal Alzheimers & Dementia addressed the significance of emphasizing heart health and how doing so safeguards future brain health and menopausal transition in women.

The study included 531 people with an average age of 51 who underwent scans and were subsequently followed up for 16 years. There are three different forms of cardiovascular fat: thoracic perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), paracardial adipose tissue (PAT), and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). EAT and PAT are frequently "white" fats of lower quality that the body stores, but PVAT is a better "brown" fat that the body readily converts to energy. The quality of the fat was assessed by the researchers using the density of the fat in the scans.

This study examined the relationship between midlife cardiovascular fat quality and amount and aging womens cognitive function. Results demonstrated that a higher density of thoracic PVAT during midlife was associated with deteriorating working memory. Still, a higher volume of thoracic PVAT during midlife was associated with stronger long-term memory later in life. 

Previous research has shown that vascular inflammation encourages the creation of plaques and that inflamed adipose tissue secretes cell signaling molecules abnormally, predisposing patients to cognitive loss.

Experts suggested that menopause is a time when heart and brain health are particularly vulnerable, and taking care of the heart also helps to take care of the brain. At this stage of life, its crucial to maintain an active lifestyle, engage in regular cardiovascular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and attend doctor checkups.

(Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/menopausal-vascular-fat-helps-in-protecting-against-dementia-later-in-life-study-101686121904830.html)