Obesity in Late Adulthood Linked to High Risk of Dementia

A recent study conducted by University College London determined that individuals who are obese during the ages of 50 and older have a 31% increased risk of dementia compared to those who are classified as having a ‘normal’ body mass index (BMI) score [1].

The study included 6,582 individuals from the UK, all over the age of 50, and determined that those with a BMI of 30 or more at the start of the study period had almost a third of a greater risk of dementia 11 years later, compared to those individuals with a normal BMI (18.5 – 24.9) at the start of the study [2].

Women with abdominal obesity (based on weight circumference) were shown to have an even higher risk (39%) of developing dementia, compared to those whose were not obese [2].

Dementia is a primary cause of disability among older individuals globally and involves deterioration in memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities [3]. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

Authors of the study explain that they hope the results of this study will lead to the prevention of a large proportion of dementia cases through public health interventions. Healthy eating, physical exercise, and reduced alcohol consumption are all factors that should be taken into account for weight reduction, including in later stage adult life [1].

References

1. McKee S. Obesity linked to higher risk of dementia [Internet]. PharmaTimes. 2020 [cited 6 July 2020]. Available from: http://www.pharmatimes.com/news/obesity_linked_to_higher_risk_of_dementia_1343249

2. Marshall N. Obesity in over-50s linked to dementia [Internet]. The Canberra Times. 2020 [cited 6 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6804491/obesity-in-over-50s-linked-to-dementia/#gsc.tab=0 

3. Dementia - Key Facts [Internet]. World Health Organization (WHO). 2019 [cited 7 July 2020]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia