Does Being Overweight in Old Age Cause Memory Problems?

	Tweet

While obesity has been shown to contribute to High Blood Pressure, heart disease and diabetes, being overweight in old age does not lead to memory problems, according to a study published September 19, 2007, in the online edition of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The six-year study involved 3,885 community dwelling people over age 65 in Chicago, IL. Of the participants, nearly 25 percent were obese with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and 37 percent were overweight with a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Four cognitive tests were given at the beginning of the study and every three years thereafter over the six-year period.

The study found no significant changes in memory or cognitive function throughout the study for overweight or obese participants. In fact, participants who were underweight had more cognitive decline over time.

“We do not know yet why being overweight or obese does not increase the risk for cognitive decline in old age, however being underweight may be a correlate of the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease,” said study author Maureen T. Sturman, MD, MPH, Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County in Chicago. “While past studies have found obesity in middle age increases a person’s risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, our findings show obesity in old age has no effect on a person’s memory. These findings are consistent with previous studies showing that weight loss or low BMI in old age may be a precursor of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease.”

The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Environmental Health Science.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 20,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Source: American Academy of Neurology (AAN)

RELATED STORIES:
Weight in pregnancy best controlled by diet, study shows   FDA advisers recommend approving weight loss drug   Bridal Hunger Games   Exercise, Group Support Work for Weight Loss   Misperception of weight is an important barrier to weight loss   Obesity drugs need heart studies, U.S. advisers say   Weight Loss Surgery and Diabetes: Expert Interview Opportunity   New evidence on effects of green coffee beans in weight loss   Chocolate lovers tend to weigh less: study   Weight loss won’t necessarily help teen girls’ self-esteem   How to Best Help Your Child Lose Weight: Lose Weight Yourself   Qnexa: Is the new anti-obesity drug too risky?

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]