Being overweight may lead to accelerated cognitive decline, according to new research. Cognitive decline is a normal process—over time, many people find it harder to remember things and think as clearly as they did in their youth. In otherwise healthy adults, these changes typically occur gradually and subtly.
The new study found that higher body mass index (BMI) over time led to more rapid declines in cognitive functions, including memory and executive functioning, compared to typical aging. Executive functions encompass skills such as managing emotions, organizing and planning tasks, concentrating, and more.
The researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative study that followed more than 8,200 people over the age of 50 for 24 years.
The study determined that every unit increase in BMI correlated with a faster decline in brain health.
Can Weight Management Slow Cognitive Decline?
Not all findings were negative. “We found that if people managed their weight, they could significantly lower their rate of cognitive decline in just two years,” says Suhang Song, lead author of the study and an assistant professor in the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health. “That makes BMI one of the most easily modifiable risk factors when it comes to aging well.”
The strongest correlation between BMI and cognitive decline occurred at year eight of the study, with the effect most pronounced in adults over 65.
How Obesity Impacts Brain Health
Defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher, obesity negatively affects brain health. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear, according to the researchers. They suggest that extra weight may contribute to inflammation, reduced blood flow, and insulin resistance, which could lead to cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias.
Obesity Rates in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two out of every five Americans are considered obese based on BMI alone. Some researchers advocate for an expanded definition of obesity that includes additional factors such as waist size and weight-related health conditions. Under this broader definition, the percentage of Americans with obesity rises to 75%.
Dementia Crisis Looms
More than 7 million people in the U.S. are currently living with dementia, and researchers predict that number will double by 2050.
“There are no cures for dementia,” Song says, “which is why it is critical to identify and address any modifiable risk factors we can find to prevent it.”
The study is published in the Journal of Neurology.
Source: University of Georgia
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