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You might think memory loss is the first red flag for dementia — but what if the earliest warning sign is something you’d never suspect…
Groundbreaking research has just uncovered a surprising predictor that could appear years before cognitive symptoms begin. And the best part? It’s already visible on routine medical scans most seniors are getting anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Smaller temporalis muscles may predict dementia years in advance — offering a non‑invasive, low‑cost way to assess dementia risk early.
- Routine brain MRIs already capture this data, meaning no new scans or procedures are required for detection.
- Preventing muscle loss through diet and activity could become a key strategy in protecting long‑term brain health.
The One Body Part That Could Predict Dementia (It’s Not the Brain!)
When it comes to detecting dementia early, the most recognizable symptoms usually come to mind – memory loss, confusion, and even agitation.
But the problem is, the signs usually show up once the disease has already jeopardized your brain. New research into early detection of memory loss suggests instead of focusing on cognitive function, doctors should look at muscle tone. Specifically at the tone and size of a muscle located near your brain.
In a recent study, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine measured muscle loss in the temporalis muscles – located in the head -- of 621 dementia‑free seniors using MRI1. They classified the participants as having either a large or small temporalis.
Nearly six years later, the same participants underwent testing for cognitive function, dementia, and brain volume changes. The results showed that the small temporalis group was more likely to develop dementia in the years since the first study.
“We found that older adults with smaller skeletal muscles are about 60% more likely to develop dementia when adjusted for other known risk factors,” said the study’s co‑senior author and professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins, Marilyn Albert, Ph.D.
Wow! A sixty percent increase in developing this life‑changing disease is shocking. But knowing about this risk ahead of time could make all the difference in your future.
Muscle Loss Testing Is Easy and Offers Hope
Experts in this study point out that muscle loss testing is quickly done through any conventional brain MRI, even if the imaging was done for other purposes.
“Measuring temporalis muscle size as a potential indicator for generalized skeletal muscle status offers an opportunity for skeletal muscle quantification without additional cost or burden in older adults who already have brain MRIs for any neurological condition, such as mild dementia. This is the first longitudinal study to demonstrate that skeletal muscle loss may contribute to the development of dementia,” said the study’s lead author, Kamyar Moradi, M.D., postdoctoral research fellow in the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.1
In the long run, this test could help patients save time and money. It can also help identify patients who may benefit from early intervention to stop or slow memory loss.
Preventing Muscle Loss
Other research has linked muscle to declining brain health. Luckily, it can be reversed in many cases.
Staying active is one way to prevent muscle loss and promote muscle growth. You don’t have to train for a marathon to see improvements. Activities like gardening, house cleaning, walking the dog, and riding a bike can help keep your muscles strong and healthy.
Nutrition is also essential for maintaining your muscles. Eating enough protein can help sustain and build your muscle mass. Other nutrients – such as choline and B vitamins – are also essential for healthy muscles.
You can also consider supplements such as HMB (beta‑hydroxy beta‑methylbutyrate) because it helps preserve and rebuild muscle mass. HMB is a compound that supports muscle protein synthesis and reduces muscle breakdown, making it especially valuable for people who are less active, recovering from illness, or simply looking to maintain strength and mobility. Clinical studies show that HMB supplementation can improve muscle function, enhance physical performance, and reduce the risk of falls — all crucial factors for healthy aging and maintaining a high quality of life.
So, if you're worried – or even just curious – about your muscle health, talk to your doctor about getting tested for muscle loss and the best ways to prevent it.
Summary
A surprising new study from Johns Hopkins suggests that shrinking head muscles — specifically the temporalis muscle — may predict dementia years before traditional symptoms like memory loss and confusion appear. Using routine brain MRIs, researchers found that individuals with smaller temporalis muscles were 60% more likely to develop dementia. This discovery not only offers hope for early detection but also shows how simple lifestyle changes like exercise and nutrition could help protect both your muscles and your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the temporalis muscle?
It’s a major muscle on the side of your head that helps with chewing — and according to new research, it may be a window into future brain health. - How does muscle size relate to dementia risk?
Researchers found that smaller temporalis muscles were linked to a 60% higher risk of developing dementia later. - How can I check my temporalis muscle size?
It can be measured using a standard brain MRI — even one done for other reasons like headaches or mild cognitive issues. - Can muscle loss be prevented?
Yes! Regular activity and a protein‑rich diet can help prevent and reverse muscle loss, even in older adults. - Does this mean exercise can help prevent dementia?
While more research is needed, maintaining muscle through movement and nutrition may help lower your risk.
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