Scientist viewing a patient's brain MRI

A washboard stomach can help keep dementia at bay, according to new research. American scientists found that having a toned tummy and less belly fat slows brain ageing. The study showed that a specific body profile - higher muscle mass combined with a lower visceral fat to muscle ratio - tracks with a younger brain age.

The research team explained that visceral fat is hidden deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital internal organs. Study senior author Professor Cyrus Raji said: “Healthier bodies with more muscle mass and less hidden belly fat are more likely to have healthier, youthful brains.

“Better brain health, in turn, lowers the risk for future brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.”

He explained that brain age is the computational

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